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Technology Stocks : Optimal Robotics Corp. (OPMR)

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To: Obewon who wrote (223)6/13/2000 7:13:00 PM
From: Obewon  Read Replies (1) of 325
 
U-Scan Carousel Pilot
by: valuationguy
6/13/00 7:10 pm
Msg: 2021 of 2021
From 6/12 Robert Humphreys morning meeting

"In what is clearly a positive first step, Kroger has selected one of its
Atlanta stores to serve as the pilot site to evaluate Optimal's U-Scan
Carousel. Over this past weekend we observed two U-Scan Carousels in
operation at an Atlanta area Kroger. We understand the units became
operational on June 9th. Early feedback from store personnel is that
customer acceptance has been good. Recall U-Scan Carousel is a higher
volume self-checkout solution than the established U-Scan Express due to
its six-position bagging capability. Carousel and Express are identical
in all functions, i.e. weight security feature, payment options, etc...
EXCEPT for bagging capacity. U-Scan Carousel and U-Scan Solo, a low
capacity solution, were introduced to retailers at a February tradeshow
after being designed in late 1999. This is the first shipment of either
of the new products as far as we know. We would suspect that Kroger would
be given first shot for the new systems given its position as the largest
customer for U-Scan Express.

While it's early we believe this pilot supports an expanded market
opportunity for Optimal beyond U-Scan Express. Four Express systems are
installed at each customer site in the typical configuration today. We
would expect a store could mix an order between Express and Carousel, or
could opt for four of each devices. We originally estimated a market
potential for Express at $3 billion worldwide based on four terminals
being installed at a store. Carousel has a greater average unit price
than Express which would mean a greater revenue per store than for Express
only. However, management of Optimal has not been specific on the price
differential between Carousel and Express. As an aside, we would expect
Solo to sell at a lower price, but would not be installed alongside
Express. Instead Solo would likely be placed at a smaller department in a
larger store. We would look for Kroger to evaluate how Carousel fits in
its strategy and whether it wants to complete other pilots at different
sites.

Within the past few weeks Optimal has announced plans for a low cost entry
into Europe and installed two Carousels. While we are not changing our
forecasts based on this information, these two items separately point to
continued momentum for Optimal. We continue to feel confident about our
155 unit assumption for Q2 coupled with EPS of $0.10. We will continue to
monitor the pilot in Kroger and look for potential Solo pilots as well.
With the express self-checkout market penetrated an estimated 5% and the
company apparently improving its leadership position we continue to
recommend the stock for speculative investors."

Valuation Guy
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