Dennis,
A few interesting RAIN facts. First, from what I hear about Busch Gardens is that they have supposedly been doing some of their own studying and are considering building their
own version of RAIN, considering the inherent nature of their own park....I guess part of what Disney is imitating with the Animal Kingdom park. Not sure how definite the plans are yet,
and doesn't appear to be anything more than a park-specific thought at this point, as it fits in the style of the theme park itself. We'll have to wait and see. I don't really see how this will
damage RAIN in any way, and actually it could help, as people will want to know about the place it's modeled after and compare. Kind of like when prozac got competition...they stopped
advertising so much, as their competitors unknowingly were advertising for them, and the sales actually went up the following year.
Also, RAIN I see is planning on opening in '98 in MGM in Vegas and Aventura in N. Miami, with leases for both still being worked on. Aventura is a very busy fairly fancy shopping center
where lots of upper middle class people and snowbirds shop, and has supported TGIF, etc. quite nicely over the years. Going to be a load of RAINs in FL apparently. Also, should be interesting
to see how strong possibility of MGM opening affects TOWV.
Good luck on ASIA, btw.
ATIS is just hanging steady at 14. Would probably just follow for the moment, but closely. News is not too close, but if all goes well in their studies and with FDA, as it seems to be, when it starts,
may come quickly, but none likely before Oct, '96.
FYI, WON has continued to move nicely, with gains over 3 days from @7.5 to 8.25 to 8.75 to 9.75. Announced earnings finally, and revenues were a record with same store sales up @8%, allowing
them to not close down unprofitable stores as once thought would have to. Likely will give some of the share increase back, but worth following after, as the former Canadian Home Depot management
team truly appears to be turning things around. Loss for the quarter primarily due to one time charge, otherwise a .07 gain per share. Good psychological and marketing move likely later this year when they
announce a name change to something more recognizagle than Sports & Recreation. Could finally start to challenge TSA's throne, albeit gradually. They probably even have hunting stuff, but no dogs.
Happy hunting,
Marshall |
