It's been slightly more than a week since Activision Blizzard
According to the company, more than 1 million copies of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty sold on the first day, and another half-million flew out the doors on the second day. Like similar events for highly anticipated movies or books (remember those midnight parties for Harry Potter releases?), thousands of GameStop
According to The Wall Street Journal, however, Starcraft II's sales numbers are actually a little bit light when compared to some analyst expectations. But never fear. When Asian sales are reported -- the original StarCraft is a professional sport in Korea -- I'm sure the totals will come in much higher. Analysts expectations range between 5 million copies sold in its first year, and 7 million copies by the end of this year. When Activision reports earnings tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised to hear management say that the company's sold 3 million or 4 million copies, or more, already.
I also wouldn't be surprised to hear that Activision beat estimates of $0.05 in earnings per share and $720 million in revenue. The company's done so in five of the last six quarters, after all. You'll find an early indication that this might indeed happen in Electronic Arts'
Activision is a current recommendation of our Stock Advisor newsletter service, and I personally argued that the stock was a buy last month, with only a moderately low risk level. With revenue (and earnings!) showing up in the next few quarters from an undeniably successful launch of StarCraft II, not to mention two upcoming expansions, I have no reason to change my mind.