Dennis,
Thought I'd toss out a couple considerations to address your
very good questions.There is no doubt that the fishin games are
a large part of Radicas success in 1997. There were also several
other NEW contributions that were added last year and also
aided in their year end. The Vision games came out in the second
half of the year as well as Deep Sea in the last quarter. Lunker
was in the second half and then only in the Monte Carlo line.
Other large hits, (covered in the Q4 CC), were the Bowling, Golf,
and Solitaire (if my memory is correct). Though Fishin may in a
sense be to Radica as Barbie is to Mattel, Radica is not a one item
company, as it was in 94-96'. What seems to be the criteria for
games that Radica introduces brings some new ingenuity to the
industry. Be it a new category, new technology, higher level of
quality, as well as, a combination of all. Can Fishin expand
50 - 100% or more in Revenue in 1998? My bet is YES to all
three. Consider that Deep Sea did not arrive until late in the 97'
year. It's sales were not in the top 10 hand held electronic game
and only a short part of the year. Lunker Bass was only placed
in the upper end stores in the second half of 97. Again very
limited exposure in comparison to original Bass. Lunker is now in
the major stores in the clam shell packaging. Another big item in
1998, Bass Junior in the start of the year. My area stores can not
keep it stocked, just like all the other fishin' games.
Radica is introducing several new games this year and though
they may not be the hits the fishing games are, if it takes 3-4 to
equal the same success then it is still added success that equates
to major accomplishments for the companies product line and
bottom line. If NASCAR, Trail Burner equate to Deep Sea, I am
very happy. If all 4 vision games turn in revenues equal to Bass
or Lunker, you now have the equivalent of six major hits and so
on. Can't say for sure but, $100,000,000 in Fishin revenue may
not be to far down Radicas list of things to do in 1998.
Forgive the long post. Just my take on it all. Your concerns were
among my main ones in 1997 and I am very happy with the way
Radica has and is now positioned in the market in 1998.
Best wishes,
Wayne |
