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Investing in Marvel's Future.

Marvel Beats earnings by 40% and maintains 2007 guidance. :)
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Press ReleaseSource: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Marvel Reports 2006 EPS of $0.67
Monday February 26, 6:33 am ET - Maintains Upper End of 2007 EPS Guidance Range at $1.55 and Adjusts Low End to $1.30, to Reflect Higher Effective Tax Rate - - Marvel's First Self-Produced Feature Film, Iron Man, Scheduled to Begin Principal Photography on March 12 - Marvel will host a webcast today for all investors at 9:00 a.m. EST available at: www.Marvel.com/webcasts or www.earnings.com
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company, today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2006.
For Q4 2006, Marvel reported net income of $11.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, net of a $0.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, charge for FAS 123R stock option-based payments. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 Marvel reported net income of $58.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, net of a $3.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, charge for FAS 123R stock option-based payments. These results compare to net income of $25.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, and net income of $102.8 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, in the year-ago fourth quarter and full year 2005, respectively, which did not include any share-based payment expense. Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Segment Net Sales/Operating Income (in Millions)---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/06 12/31/05----------------------------------------------------------------------Licensing: Net Sales $25.5 $81.7 $127.2 $230.1---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Income (1) 14.5 55.4 76.1 143.4----------------------------------------------------------------------Publishing: Net Sales 28.6 23.4 108.5 92.4---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Income 11.6 8.6 44.1 36.4----------------------------------------------------------------------Toys: Net Sales 31.1 12.0 116.1 68.0---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Income (2) 6.5 (12.5) 21.1 15.5----------------------------------------------------------------------Film Production: Operating Costs (3) (1.5) 0.0 (6.0) 0.0----------------------------------------------------------------------Corporate Overhead: (4.7) (6.7) (22.7) (24.1)---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL NET SALES $85.2 $117.1 $351.8 $390.5---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL OPERATING INCOME $26.4 $44.8 $112.6 $171.2----------------------------------------------------------------------(1) The 2005 twelve-month period includes the impact of a $10 million, one-time charge related to the settlement of litigation with Stan Lee.(2) The 2005 three and twelve-month periods include the impact of a $12.5 million, one-time charge related to the early termination of a license agreement with Toy Biz Worldwide.(3) These costs principally consist of compensation related to personnel devoted to the Company's film production efforts, which efforts commenced late in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Marvel's Chairman, Morton Handel, commented, "We are pleased with the strong cash flows generated by our operations during 2006, a transitional year for the Company. Reflecting the unique strengths of our intellectual property assets and business model, in 2006 Marvel generated approximately $158 million in operating cash flow, inclusive of $15 million spent on pre-production for future feature film slate productions.
"We remain optimistic about the outlook for 2007 and beyond. 2007 has three feature films produced in conjunction with studio partners including Ghost Rider, which easily captured the #1 spot in its opening and second weekends and set an all-time domestic box office record for President's Day weekend. Ghost Rider has achieved total domestic box office receipts of over $76 million since its February 16th release and worldwide box office of approximately $95 million. We believe Ghost Rider's performance highlights the power of the Marvel brand and consumer demand for films based on our comic book characters. Later this year, we should benefit from high-profile sequels to our Spider-Man and Fantastic 4 movie franchises. Operating results in 2007 should also benefit from strong contributions from Marvel-branded toys distributed by Hasbro. "We are pleased to announce that we intend to launch the next stage of our evolution as a global entertainment company by commencing principal photography on our Iron Man film on March 12th. The profile of the Iron Man character and the Marvel brand have been instrumental in attracting top-tier talent to this project. Later this year, we also plan to commence principal photography on our second self-produced feature film, The Incredible Hulk. With both of these movies scheduled for summer 2008 release and work on other Marvel-produced films also underway, future growth prospects for Marvel are strong."
 
continued...


Fourth Quarter Segment Review: As anticipated, Licensing Segment net sales declined 69% from the year-ago period to $25.5 million, primarily due to lower contributions from domestic licensing and Marvel's Spider-Man merchandising joint venture (JV) with Sony. The $56.1 million reduction in domestic merchandise licensing sales primarily reflects the inclusion of a $50 million license fee for the extension of the Activision license in Q4 2005. The Spider-Man JV had sales of only $0.6 million in Q4 2006, which were primarily related to licensing overages associated with sales of the Spider-Man 2 video game. International licensing sales increased approximately $3.2 million from Q4 2005 levels, principally due to more robust overages. Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Licensing Sales by Division (Unaudited) (in millions)---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/06 12/31/05----------------------------------------------------------------------Domestic Consumer Products $12.0 $68.1 $65.1 $145.3----------------------------------------------------------------------International Consumer Products 10.3 7.1 42.5 36.5----------------------------------------------------------------------Spider-Man L.P. (Domestic and International) 0.6 4.3 4.1 24.7----------------------------------------------------------------------Marvel Studios 2.7 2.2 15.6 23.6----------------------------------------------------------------------Total Licensing Segment $25.5 $81.7 $127.2 $230.1----------------------------------------------------------------------
The lower operating margin in the licensing division of 57% in Q4 2006, as compared to a margin of 68% in the prior-year period, reflects higher expenses, coupled with lower revenues in the Q4 2006 period.
  • Marvel's Publishing Segment net sales increased 22% or $5.2 million from the year-ago period to $28.6 million principally due to higher sales of trade paperbacks and hard cover books sold into the direct and book market channels. Comic book sales were bolstered by strong sales associated with Civil War, a high-profile special series that has tie-ins across many established comic book series. Publishing results in the period also benefited from strong year-over-year growth in custom publishing. Publishing segment operating income in Q4 2006 was $11.6 million with an operating margin of 41%, compared to $8.6 million in operating income and an operating margin of 37% in the prior-year period. The improvement in operating margin principally reflects the benefit of higher sales on a relatively stable cost structure.
  • The transition in Marvel's Toy Segment net sales from toys produced by a master toy licensee in 2005 to toy production by Marvel in 2006 contributed to an expected year-over-year increase in segment revenues. Sales in the quarter increased 159% versus the prior year, consisting primarily of core classic Marvel character lines. In addition, there was $5.2 million in royalties and service fees related to initial shipments made by Hasbro, Marvel's new toy licensee. Sales recorded in 2006 as wholesale sales subject to the corresponding Cost of Revenues expense were the principal factor in operating margins of 21% for the fourth quarter of 2006. Operating margins in Q4 2005 were negative due to the inclusion of a non-recurring expense of $12.5M in Q4 2005 for the early termination of a license agreement with Toy Biz Worldwide.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Toy Sales Summary (Unaudited) (in millions)---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 12/31/06 12/31/05 12/31/06 12/31/05----------------------------------------------------------------------Marvel Toy Net Sales 25.9 $3.4 110.9 $16.2----------------------------------------------------------------------Toy License:---------------------------------------------------------------------- - Toy Royalties 2.9 4.3 2.9 25.3---------------------------------------------------------------------- - Fees for Services Rendered 2.3 4.3 2.3 26.5----------------------------------------------------------------------Total Toy Segment $31.1 $12.0 $116.1 $68.0----------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Sheet Update:
As of December 31, 2006, Marvel had cash and equivalents of $40.5 million (including $8.5 million in restricted cash) and $17 million in borrowings under its $125 million credit facility with HSBC Bank. During the fourth quarter of 2006 Marvel did not repurchase any additional shares under its repurchase program. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had $50.0 million remaining under its $100 million share repurchase authorization announced June 5, 2006. Marvel Studios Entertainment Pipeline(Development and release dates for licensed properties are controlled by studio partners)----------------------------------------------------------------------Licensed Marvel Character Feature Film Line-Up For 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------Film/Character Studio/Distributor Status----------------------------------------------------------------------Ghost Rider Sony Released February 16, 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------Spider-Man 3 Sony Post-production, May 4, 2007 release----------------------------------------------------------------------Fantastic Four: Rise of Fox Post-production, June 15, the Silver Surfer 2007 release----------------------------------------------------------------------Film Projects Being Developed by Marvel (Partial List)----------------------------------------------------------------------Film/Character Studio Status----------------------------------------------------------------------Iron Man Marvel Principal photography to begin March 12th; May 2, 2008 release----------------------------------------------------------------------The Incredible Hulk Marvel Pre-production, June 13, 2008 release----------------------------------------------------------------------Ant-Man Marvel Writer and director engaged----------------------------------------------------------------------Captain America Marvel Writer engaged----------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Fury Marvel Writer engaged----------------------------------------------------------------------Thor Marvel Writer engaged----------------------------------------------------------------------The Avengers Marvel Writer engaged----------------------------------------------------------------------Marvel Character Animated TV Projects in Development----------------------------------------------------------------------Character Studio Status----------------------------------------------------------------------Fantastic Four Moonscoop SAS 26, 30 minute episodes (France) airing in 2006/2007; U.S. distribution started on Cartoon Network on September 2, 2006 and should continue in 2007. (1)----------------------------------------------------------------------Wolverine and the X-Men First Serve Toonz 26, 30 minute episodes in (India) development----------------------------------------------------------------------Iron Man Method Films 26, 30 minute episodes in (France) development----------------------------------------------------------------------Marvel Character Animated Direct-to-Video Projects in Development----------------------------------------------------------------------Partnership with Lions Gate to develop, produce and distribute original animated DVD features. Recent and future titles include:The Invincible Iron Man (released January 2007)Doctor Strange (scheduled for release in 2007). (1)---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 Video Game Releases (Release dates controlled by Publishing partner)----------------------------------------------------------------------Take-Two Ghost Rider Released Q1 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------Konami Marvel Vs. Card Game Q1 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------Activision Spider-Man 3 Q2 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------Take-Two Fantastic Four II Q2 2007----------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Represents a change from the previously supplied schedule
 
continued...


Updated Financial Guidance:
As noted in the table below, Marvel maintained its 2007 upper guidance ranges and revised the low end of its net income and diluted EPS guidance ranges based on an expectation for a higher full-year effective tax rate. The effective tax rate currently anticipated for 2007 is 40%, compared to the effective rate of 37% on which the Company's 2007 guidance was previously based. This change reflects an expected effective tax rate that is in line with our 2006 actual rate and reflects a continuing trend in higher state and local taxes. It also includes the anticipated effects of the January 1, 2007 adoption of the FASB's Interpretation No. 48 "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." At the time Marvel gave initial 2007 guidance, the Company noted that it was evaluating the effect of the adoption of the FASB's Interpretation No. 48 and had not yet given effect to any change in its tax provision resulting from that new rule. Marvel expects to continue to refine its tax provision as it implements this new rule during its first year in effect. A few key drivers behind Marvel's 2007 guidance are highlighted below.Marvel Entertainment, Inc. - Financial Guidance----------------------------------------------------------------------(in millions, Updated 2007 Previous 2007 2006except per-share amounts) Guidance Guidance (1) Actual----------------------------------------------------------------------Net sales $375 - $435 $375 - $435 $352----------------------------------------------------------------------Net income $111 - $132 $115 - $132 $59----------------------------------------------------------------------Diluted EPS $1.30 - $1.55 $1.35 - $1.55 $0.67----------------------------------------------------------------------(1) Previous 2007 guidance ranges were provided on November 6, 2006.
Primary 2007 Financial Guidance Drivers:
  • Expected strong Spider-Man movie merchandise licensing triggered by the theatrical release of the Spider-Man 3 movie.
  • Toy license contributions related to Marvel's toy license agreement with Hasbro.
  • Initial film license revenue contributions from feature films slated for release in 2007.
  • Strong contributions from domestic and international licensing revenues.
  • Strong growth in interactive revenues from anticipated license fees in excess of minimum guarantees.
  • Continued, modest top-line and bottom-line growth from the publishing division.
  • An estimated effective tax rate of 40% in 2007 as noted above.
  • Marvel's guidance is based on 85.2 million diluted shares outstanding for 2007 and does not reflect any prospective share repurchase activity in 2007.
Marvel cautions investors that variations in the timing of licenses and entertainment events, the timing of their revenue recognition, and their level of success may result in variations and uncertainty in forecasting the Company's financial results. These factors could have a material impact on year-over-year and sequential quarterly results comparisons as well as Marvel's ability to achieve the financial performance included in its financial guidance.
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel's plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel's characters, financial difficulties of Marvel's licensees, changing consumer preferences, delays and cancellations of movies and television productions based on Marvel characters, transition difficulties between licensees, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, significant appreciation of Chinese currency against other currencies and the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China.
In addition, in connection with Marvel Studios' film production operations, including those related to the slate of feature films Marvel plans to produce on its own with proceeds from its $525 million film slate facility (the "Film Facility"), the following factors, among others, could cause Marvel's or Marvel Studios' financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in any forward-looking statements: (i) Marvel Studios' potential inability to attract and retain creative talent, (ii) the potential lack of popularity of Marvel's films, (iii) the expense associated with producing films, (iv) union activity which could interrupt film production, (v) that Marvel Studios has not, in the past, produced film projects on its own, (vi) changes or disruptions in the way films are distributed, including a decline in the profitability of the DVD market, (vii) piracy of films and related products, (viii) Marvel Studios' dependence on a single distributor, (ix) that Marvel will depend on its distributor for the implementation of internal controls related to the accounting of film-production activities, (x) Marvel's potential inability to meet the conditions necessary for an initial funding of a film under the Film Facility, (xi) Marvel's potential inability to obtain financing to make more than four films if certain tests related to the economic performance of the film slate are not satisfied (specifically, an interim asset test and a foreign pre-sales test) and (xii) fluctuations in reported income or loss related to the accounting of film-production activities. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
 
continued...

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)


Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------ -------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
-------- --------- --------- ---------

Net sales $85,216 $117,095 $351,798 $390,507
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenue (excluding
depreciation expense) 27,147 12,972 103,584 50,517
Selling, general and
administrative 26,888 58,859 123,130 166,456
Depreciation and
amortization 5,089 1,159 14,322 4,534
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 59,124 72,990 241,036 221,507
Other income, net 274 674 1,798 2,167
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income 26,366 44,779 112,560 171,167
Interest expense 3,631 3,037 15,225 3,982
Interest income and other
expense, net 232 745 1,465 3,863
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes and
minority interest 22,967 42,487 98,800 171,048
Income tax expense (11,116) (15,699) (39,071) (62,820)
Minority interest in
consolidated Joint Venture. (153) (869) (1,025) (5,409)
-------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income $11,698 $25,919 $58,704 $102,819
======== ========= ========= =========

Basic earnings per share
attributable to common stock $0.14 $0.27 $0.71 $1.03
======== ========= ========= =========
Weighted average number of
basic shares outstanding 81,496 94,612 82,161 99,594
======== ========= ========= =========

Diluted earnings per share
attributable to common stock $0.14 $0.26 $0.67 $0.97
======== ========= ========= =========
Weighted average number of
diluted shares outstanding 85,120 100,534 87,230 106,058
======== ========= ========= =========

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) (unaudited) December 31, --------------------- 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- (in thousands, except share data)ASSETSCurrent assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,945 $ 24,227 Restricted cash 8,527 8,383 Short-term investments - 15,139 Accounts receivable, net 59,392 59,108 Inventories, net 10,224 9,177 Income tax receivable 45,569 - Deferred income taxes, net 22,564 19,553 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,231 4,785 ---------- ---------- Total current assets 185,452 140,372Molds, tools and equipment, net 4,444 5,659Product and package design costs, net 1,497 1,023Film production costs 15,055 -Goodwill 341,708 341,708Accounts receivable, non-current portion 12,879 20,290Deferred income taxes, net 36,406 36,460Deferred financing costs 15,771 20,751Advances to joint venture partner 8,535 3,489Other assets 2,118 3,794 ---------- ---------- Total assets $ 623,865 $ 573,546 ========== ==========LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities: Accounts payable $ 5,112 $ 3,724 Accrued royalties 68,467 65,891 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 38,895 57,360 Income taxes payable - 12,295 Deferred revenue 140,072 10,865 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 252,546 150,135Accrued royalties, non-current portion 12,860 5,908Deferred revenue, non-current portion 35,667 24,787Credit facility 17,000 -Film slate facility obligation 33,200 25,800Income tax payable, non-current portion 10,999 -Other liabilities 6,702 6,316 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities 368,974 212,946 ---------- ----------Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)Stockholders' equity:Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued - -Common stock, $.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 128,420,848 issued and 81,326,627 outstanding in 2006 and 121,742,534 issued and 90,205,853 outstanding in 2005 1,284 1,217Deferred stock compensation - (6,242)Additional paid-in capital 710,460 594,873Retained earnings 228,466 169,762Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,433) (3,474) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity before treasury stock 937,777 756,136Treasury stock, at cost, 47,094,221 shares in 2006 and 31,536,681 shares in 2005 (682,886) (395,536) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 254,891 360,600 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 623,865 $ 573,546 ========== ========== MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (unaudited) Years Ended December 31, ------------------------ 2006 2005 ----------- -----------Net income $ 58,704 $ 102,819Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 14,322 4,534 Amortization of deferred financing charges 4,980 1,660 Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate cap 1,504 (347) Non-cash charge for stock based compensation 11,040 4,832 Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (64,802) 7,382 Gain from sales of equipment (133) - Impairment of fixed assets 962 - Deferred income taxes (2,957) (13,573) Minority interest of joint venture (net of distributions of $6,071 in 2006 and $17,326 in 2005) (5,046) (11,917) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 7,127 31,896 Inventories (1,047) (2,590) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2,446) (2,051) Film production costs (15,055) - Other assets 172 (56) Deferred revenue 140,087 (6,093) Income taxes payable 17,937 2,166 Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (7,174) 19,075 ----------- -----------Net cash provided by operating activities 158,175 137,737 ----------- -----------Cash flow provided by investing activities: Payment of administrative claims and unsecured claims, net - (50) Purchases of molds, tools and equipment (10,034) (3,193) Expenditures for product and package design costs (6,252) (1,096) Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 1,876 - Sales of short-term investments 80,671 442,394 Purchases of short-term investments (65,532) (302,814) Change in restricted cash (144) 22,514 ----------- -----------Net cash provided by investing activities 585 157,755 ----------- -----------Cash flow used in financing activities: Proceeds from film slate facility 7,400 25,800 Borrowings from credit facility 169,200 - Repayments of credit facility (152,200) - Deferred financing costs - (24,526) Purchase of treasury stock (287,350 (297,128) Exercise of stock options 46,882 5,532 Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 64,802 - ----------- -----------Net cash used in financing activities (151,266) (290,322) ----------- -----------Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 224 (117) ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease in cash and cash equivalents) 7,718 5,053 Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of year 24,227 19,174 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents, at end of year $ 31,945 $ 24,227 =========== ===========

Contact:
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.SVP Corporate DevelopmentMatt Finick, 212-576-4035[email protected]orJaffoni & CollinsDavid Collins or Richard Land, 212-835-8500[email protected]</SPAN>Source: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
 
Conference Call notes of interest to investors & fans:


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  • Net sales exceeded guidance.
  • Internation Licensing Increased.
  • Revenues increased 22% in publishing segment.
  • Toy Revenues almost tripled in Q4 due to initial shipments of Hasbro their new licensee.
  • .14/share earnings. Analysts expected .09-.10 :)
  • Purchased 287 million of their common stock in 2006.
  • No outstanding borrowing on facility yet.
  • 2007 Guidance drivers: Licensed toy sales, publishing, Spider-man 3, FF2, etc...
  • Full Slate: Ghost Rider #1 again after setting record last weekend, doing very well in international markets and speaks well of continued film receptivity to our characters.
  • Spider-Man 3 (may 4), FF2 (june 15)
  • Own slate: Iron Man & Hulk in 08. Completed major casting. Starting filming on March 12th. May 2 release. Hulk start filming in 2nd quarter and release date June 13.
  • Investing in new projects for 2009 (see earnings above).
  • Iron Man animated film: Opened #3 of all DVD sales in opening week, Dr. Strange August release.
  • FF animation back on air in cartoon network around movie launch, actively developing Iron Man and Wolverine.
  • Ultimate Alliance very successful, 4 other projects: Spidey 3, FF2, Marvel Card Game, and Ghost Rider games.
  • Guarantees for Spidey 3 double Spidey 2, too early to say about FF2. Business strong but gotta watch sell-thru.
  • Custom Publishing strong in Q406 & Q107.
  • Ghost Rider no material impact on earnings...yet.
  • Update Iron Man & Hulk: Will have funding requirements for both film in time.
  • Kept high end of guidance...very optimistic about business for 2007 with all areas going along very well. Strong in most areas. Can offset most if not all effects of the tax rate but only in February so early to know more.
  • Budgets for Hulk and Iron Man will be spent this year. (majority)
  • In overages now in ATVI video games.
  • New Publisher for HULK game...announced soon!
  • Detailed Budgets won't be revealed ahead of time on films due to competition. Gave range 100-160 million.
  • Box office expecations won't be commented on in advance. Commercial success of Ghost Rider encouraging.
  • Guidance initiated assumes Toy sales for FF and licensing will be less than first film due to log jam of films and related toys around it's release.
  • Only listing projects with directors. Working w/licensed partners with scripts already licensed out and directors hired it'll be added to list. Beyond 2007 none of those franchises have initial greenlights yet. Assumption is they'll all continue including Spidey, FF, Ghost Rider.
  • Avi Arad is producer of Iron Man & Hulk and no change in his level of involvement from before his change of role to now.
That's it.
 
A must read:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070301.REDGE01/TPStory/Business

INVESTOR'S EDGE

Marvel hoping super friends come through
Strong revenue expected from new movies
SHIRLEY WON

Marvel Entertainment Inc. shares have made a superheroic comeback as investors expect a flood of toy and other licensing revenue from the coming Spider-Man 3.

The comic book publisher's stock, which dropped 54 cents (U.S.) to end yesterday at $27.79 on the New York Stock Exchange, has surged 58.5 per cent over the past year.

Some analysts are bullish on Marvel now that it has Hollywood ambitions, and will make its own movies -- such as Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk -- to be released next year. But others are cautious because of the villain of uncertainty in the hit-driven film world.

Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Michael Kelman is a fan of Marvel stock, saying he believes there is "more room to grow" because the market is still valuing the stock as it has done historically.

The market "hasn't given it much credit for its longer-term strategy, which is predicated on the launch of its proprietary film slate," Mr. Kelman said in an interview.

On Monday, Marvel reported a fourth-quarter profit of 14 cents a share that beat analysts' expectations of 10 cents. The jump was largely driven by early shipments of toys under a new licensing deal with U.S.-based Hasbro Inc.

Marvel, which has a collection of about 5,000 characters, has traditionally licensed their rights to studios such as Sony Corp., as in the case of Spider-Man. But the superhero powerhouse has negotiated a $525-million loan package to make 10 movies, including The Incredible Hulk to be filmed in Toronto.

Although Marvel benefits substantially from toy and merchandise sales on the back of its licensed movies, it gets little cash from box-office sales, Mr. Kelman said.

"If [Marvel's] film performs well, they are going to keep all of the profit from the film itself, as well as the merchandising and licensing," said the analyst, who has a "buy" on Marvel but no price target.

Marvel-character based Ghost Rider starring Nicolas Cage -- the top North American box-office performer, pulling in more than $72-million for the past two weekends despite bad reviews -- shows "the market's appetite" for superhero films," Mr. Kelman added.

Rhonda Chang, a portfolio manager at Toronto-based Elliott & Page Ltd., is also upbeat on Marvel, saying she accumulated shares of the company for her U.S. mid-cap fund within the past six months.

"The company has strong earnings momentum," Ms. Chang said. "And there are lot of good catalysts coming up for the stock. The real driver of their earnings will be the licensing from the toys and the other products like apparel, games, stationary and food-like cereals coming from the characters."

Marvel's forecast for sales of up to $435-million and profit of up to $132-million this year is likely to be "conservative," Ms. Chang said. And Marvel's deal with Hasbro will provide "additional upside" because of the toy giant's "great marketing and great distribution."

RBC Dominion Securities analyst David Bank described Marvel as one of the best pure-play intellectual property companies, but is cautious on its stock after running up on the "Spider-Man trade."

"It's fairly valued," and investors should wait for a pullback after the market gets over the May release of Spider-Man 3, said Mr. Bank, who has "sector perform" on Marvel with a one-year target of $30.

Mr. Bank said he is unsure how Marvel's two films slated for 2008 will do. It is also unclear whether its other characters slated for future films -- such as Captain America, Nick Fury and Thor -- will garner the popular appeal of the Spider-Man movies, he added.

"We have limited visibility in not just the movies, but also the toy sales associated with the movies."

Sterne Agee & Leach analyst Arvind Bhatia rates Marvel a "hold," with a one-year target of $30 because he expects its stock to drop after the release of Spider-Man 3.

But the decline may not be as dramatic as the roughly 25-per-cent pullback in Marvel shares after the first two Spider-Man movies, he said. The stock, he added, will get some lift from 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four 2, a sequel set to come out in June.

While Marvel plans to release two movies in 2008, that will not be enough to offset an expected earnings decline next year, Mr. Bhatia said. "They won't match up to the success that Spider-Man is going to have this year. Spider-Man is in a league of its own."

^ That last comment is ridiculous. Of course Spidey is in his own league but the analyst forgets to mention Marvel gets about 5% of what Spidey makes at the box office maybe a little more...but get's most of it's money off toy sales. However with Hulk & Iron Man they don't have to match spidey since Marvel gets ALL the profit (after the theatre's cut), dvd profits, & toys etc...So those two films alone will make WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY more than Spiderman could make for Marvel directly if they do half as much at the box office. :)
 
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES' 28TH ANNUAL INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS CONFERENCE
Mr. Cuneo will present at Raymond James & Associates' 28th Annual Institutional Investors Conference on Tuesday, March 6th at 4:35 p.m. EST. The conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando, FL.
Live Webcast and Replay: Mr. Cuneo's presentation will be available to investors via http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rj26/mvl/ or via http://www.marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=webcasts_current.php. An archived version of the webcast will be available at these locations for thirty days. Slide Presentations: Slide presentations used at the conferences will be available for download at www.marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=webcasts_current.php beginning at the approximate starting time of each presentation.
Wolvie in 2008/09.
 
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070320/20070320005583.html?.v=1


The Al Ahli Group & Marvel Entertainment Announce Partnership to Bring Marvel's Renowned Super Heroes to Major New Theme Park in Dubai
Tuesday March 20, 6:34 am ET
NEW YORK & DUBAI, UAE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced today a partnership that will bring Marvel's full library of Super Heroes -- including Spider-Man, Iron Man, The X-Men, Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer -- to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG. The development is in line with the vision set by HH Shk. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through his innovative entertainment and hospitality driven expansion projects for Dubai and the UAE.
The Al Ahli Group, under the leadership of Chairman Nasser Ali Khammas and driven by the idea and dedication of CEO Mohamed Khammas, is poised to bring the region's first and only global theme park destination directly to the heart of the Emirates. AAG and Marvel are also in initial stages of discussions about additional projects throughout the greater Pan Arabia region.
AAG has been in discussions for more than two years with the owners of the world's top intellectual properties in the entertainment arena and is extremely proud of its new long-term partnership with the world renowned Marvel brand. The Project will open in 2011 with a direct investment of over $1 billion USD. The creative team, which consists of some of the most spectacular creative minds from around the globe, will be based in Hollywood, Orlando and Dubai throughout the four year development process. New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park, creating a new standard for theme parks around the world.
David Maisel, Chairman of Marvel Studios and a member of the Office of the Chief Executive, Marvel Entertainment, said, "We are launching a long term relationship with the Al Ahli Group to bring the Marvel Universe to Dubai with this exciting new theme park development. Al Ahli Group has both an impressive team of theme park, entertainment and hospitality executives and the financial strength to leverage that expertise into a world-class destination resort experience unparalleled in the region. We are very pleased to be a part of this exciting initiative and look forward to a successful partnership with Mohamed Khammas and the Al Ahli Group."
Mohamed Khammas, CEO of Al Ahli Group commented "Al Ali Group's partnership with Marvel Entertainment serves a long pursued quest of creating the ultimate entertainment destination for families and children of the region and the world, a destination where they can live their childhood fantasies and create new memories for the entire family to cherish and remember. Family destinations have not evolved in Pan Arabia and thus it's time that we cater to that demand and make the investment required for global tourism.
"Marvel is a brand that is recognized globally via its ever expanding list of 'Super Hero' characters. Now, it won't be much longer until the children in Pan Arabia and the world can experience new and exciting rides with Marvel's Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and many other Super Heroes right here in the UAE.
"This partnership is a result of the appreciation and loyalty that Marvel has internationally, and was realized through the dedication and management of the Marvel team led by my friend David Maisel. Without his personal efforts and dedication, it would have been a long time before the world would be able to experience the Marvel Super Heroes in what we aim to be the best entertainment destination in the world. In 2011, Spider-Man and the rest of the Marvel Super Heroes will set their first steps in Dubai."
About the Al Ahli Group
The Al Ahli Group established its first activity in late 1960's and, throughout its 39 years of operation, AAG has become the region's most dynamic, innovative and multi-disciplined business entities. The Al Ahli Group has been instrumental in steering the cement industry throughout the region to unprecedented levels of production and sales. Other industries and services that the Al Ahli Group is involved in range from the largest plastic film manufacturing factory in the region, to printing and publishing, to an extensive transportation division, turnkey construction, engineering products, factories, their partnership with the Dubai Shopping Festival via the first ever Dubai Hot Air Balloon Festival imported from Albuquerque New Mexico to their latest 10 million sq. ft. real estate mix-use development within Dubailand containing the region's first ever factory-outlet stores in a premium mall setting, never before seen boutique hotels, office towers, lifestyle developments and themed restaurants and entertainment promenade with the US$1 billion Dubai Outlet City Project, (phase one mall opens May 1st, 2007).
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.marvel.com.
(TM) & ©: 2007 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries, all rights reserved. Super Heroes is a co-owned registered trademark.


Contact:
DAN KLORES COMMUNICATIONSJeffrey Klein, Ann Hinshaw212-981-5189 / 212-981-5160[email protected][email protected]orNettRESULTSTarek Lasheen+971 4 331 1593 / +971 50 2584510[email protected]
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Press ReleaseSource: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.



Marvel to Present at Bank of America 2007 Media, Telecommunications & Entertainment Conference Thurs. Mar. 29th at 11:20 AM EDT
Tuesday March 20, 8:56 am ET

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company, today announced that John Turitzin, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chief Executive, and Peter Cuneo, Vice Chairman, will present at Bank of America 2007 Media, Telecommunications & Entertainment Conference on Thursday, March 29th at 11:20 a.m. EDT. The conference is being held at The Palace Hotel in New York, NY.

Live Webcast and Replay:
Via http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/bas/media07/id25203256.cfm or via http://www.marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=webcasts_current.php. An archived version of the webcast will be available at these locations for thirty days.

Slide Presentation:
The slide presentation that Marvel management will use at the conference will be available for download that day at www.marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=webcasts_current.php.
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.


Contact:
Jaffoni & CollinsRichard Land or David Collins, 212-835-8500[email protected]
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There was a lot of good information,great.I thought Marvel would suffer with Ghost Rider`s average box office earnings.But from a fan`s point of view..do you see Marvel in a good way?
 
interesting.. how does one pursue investing in marvel stock? how much money should you have saved beforehand?
 
You only invest what you can afford to invest. No minimum amount really. Just don't watch it and panic on down days or get all excited on up days. Hold it until it achieves the levels you believe it will grow to...and then sell it when you think it's peak or if you feel the company is not performing financially as it should. Do your own due diligence but you'll see Marvel is an awesome opportunity even at these levels. It's a baby still believe it or not in the international communtiy and as a studio. Once you're ready and able then open an account online or walk into your local brokerage house. You also have to think about your investment goals. Tax account or tax free account like an IRA. Most of my shares are in a SEP-IRA. Google all that stuff to find out more.
 
This is a really boring thread. (I'm stupid of course so I really don't know what all this stuff means so don't take what I'm saying seriously)
 
^ It's boring if you're looking for the typic hype movie, video game, superhero type news but you'll find little details here in there in this thread you wont' find elsewhere...or at least it'll come from here first as a source. This is for investing and talking about the company as an investment so if you're not interested...it's boring.
 
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Marvel Entertainment initiated with "buy"

Tuesday, April 03, 2007 11:12:04 AM ET
Stifel Nicolaus

NEW YORK, April 3 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus & Company initiate coverage of Marvel Entertainment Inc (ticker: MVL) with a "buy" rating. The 12-month target price is set to $34.

In a research note published this morning, the analysts mention that Marvel Entertainment’s film schedule is expected to propel the company towards record profitability in 2007. Marvel Entertainment’s toy operations are expected to benefit from a new master licensing agreement with Hasbro, the analysts say. The company has stellar profitability and cash flow metric, Stifel Nicolaus & Company adds.

http://www.newratings.com
 
Fool on the Street: Marvel Mimics Mickey

By Tim Beyers
April 9, 2007
Will Iron Man be invincible? Will The Incredible Hulk smash? Will Ghost Rider ride again? These questions and more faced Marvel Entertainment (NYSE: MVL) top executives Peter Cuneo and John Turitzin during last week's Banc of America Media, Telecommunications, & Entertainment Conference.
Yawn ... oh, wait, what was that?

Sadly, their answers didn't offer much news. But the conference was worth it -- if only to see how Cuneo and Turitzin responded to questions about Marvel's strategy. Consider this sound bite from Cuneo's opening remarks:
Last year, about this time, Marvel was noted by LICENSE Magazine as the fourth-largest licensor of consumer products in the world. They estimated that the total value of Marvel's products sold through licensees and so on at retail worldwide was about $5 billion -- putting us No. 4, close to No. 3 and No. 2. Disney (NYSE: DIS), of course, is by far the worldwide leader in this area.​
Three things strike me about Cuneo's comments. First, Marvel booked $390.5 million in revenue during 2005. If LICENSE was even within spitting distance of being correct, Marvel collected less than 8% of the value of its licensed properties. And since revenue fell in 2006, I sense that the ratio still straddles 7% and 8%.
Second, the comic book king is in great company. LICENSE placed Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX) Warner Bros. group second with $6 billion and Viacom's (NYSE: VIA) properties third at $5.2 billion. Marvel, meanwhile, outsold Major League Baseball, which produced $4.7 billion to earn fifth place.
Third, management believes Marvel will do better, pointing to Disney as a firm worth emulating. That's encouraging. Disney topped $21 billion in the LICENSE survey, so with more than $32.1 billion in calendar 2005 revenue, it collects 150% on the value of its properties. Licensing, therefore, should still be a high-growth business for Marvel.
Captain America ships out
A deal in Dubai could help. Marvel is teaming with the Al Ahli Group to build a $1 billion -- read: Disney-sized -- theme park in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula's top tourist trap. The hope, Turitzin says, is to collect revenue at the same time as Marvel builds awareness of and fondness for its fictional universe.
The idea has merit. A handful of Marvel films -- including its two most successful -- have earned more at overseas box offices than on their home soil (highlighted in bold):
Film
Domestic Box Office
Foreign Box Office
Blade
$70.1 mil
$61.1 mil
Blade 2
$82.3 mil
$72.7 mil
Blade: Trinity
$52.4 mil
$76.5 mil
Daredevil
$102.5 mil
$76.6 mil
Elektra
$24.4 mil
$32.3 mil
Ghost Rider
$114.2 mil
$100.2 mil
Hulk
$132.2 mil
$113.1 mil
The Punisher
$33.8 mil
$20.9 mil
Spider-Man
$403.7 mil
$418.0 mil
Spider-Man 2
$373.6 mil
$410.2 mil
X-Men
$157.3 mil
$138.9 mil
X-2: X-Men United
$214.9 mil
$192.6 mil
X-Men: The Last Stand
$234.4 mil
$224.9 mil
Source: Box Office Mojo
But broad-based international growth is the goal. Says Cuneo, "We really put our foot, if you will, on the international pedal only about three years ago." One billion bucks in Dubai could be one heck of an accelerator.
The most profitable R&D function on the planet
Finally, Cuneo and Turitzin told analysts to remember its publishing division, which Cuneo said is "the most profitable R&D function on the planet." Funny. I said something similar right here.
We're both right. Marvel says that, when it exited bankruptcy in 1998, it had a 23% share of the comic book publishing market. Today, Marvel's share tops 45%. Cuneo credits the talent for that: "Both the illustrations and the writing is about 45 times better than it was seven or eight years ago."
I can't really speak to that, since I stopped actively collecting comics 15 years ago. Still, killing off Captain America, as Marvel's writers just did, seems more like clever marketing than a unique storyline. DC Comics buried Superman more than a decade ago, and then resuscitated him within a few issues. Captain America has "died" before, too. What's really new here? Not much, I'd say.
But I digress. The point is that Marvel's publishing group is a profitable leader in an industry that, after a decade of sagging sales, is growing once again. Cuneo says that comic-book publishing was up 14% in the U.S. during 2006.
The Foolish bottom line

Will Marvel continue to deliver heroic returns for investors? Cuneo likes the opportunity:
Marvel has 5,000 characters to draw from. I think that's significant. But what is more significant is that we actually own and control over 99% of those characters. I'm not aware of another company, including Disney, with that number of characters and that total amount of control.​
Or, in simpler language: Watch out, Mickey. Spidey's coming for you.
Disney, Marvel, and Time Warner are all Motley Fool Stock Advisor picks. Click here to get 30 days of free access to the entire portfolio, which is beating the market by more than 39 percentage points.
Fool contributor Tim Beyers, who is ranked 866 out of more than 25,500 in our Motley Fool CAPS investor-intelligence database, still owns more than 2,000 comic books but didn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article at the time of publication. All of his portfolio holdings can be found at his Fool profile. His thoughts on Foolishness and investing may be found in his blog. The Motley Fool's disclosure policy wonders whether Captain America will have his own ride at the forthcoming Dubai theme park.
http://www.motleyfool.com
 
Marvel to Report Q1 Results on Tuesday, May 8th and Will Host Investor Webcast at 9:00 A.M. EDT
Friday April 13, 7:30 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company, will release financial results for the 2007 first quarter ended March 31, 2007 prior to the market's opening on Tuesday, May 8th. Marvel will then host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. EDT that day to provide an overview of its financial results.

WEBCAST / REPLAY URL: www.marvel.com/webcasts or at www.earnings.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 30 days.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc. With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found at www.marvel.com.

:) Right after Spidey.

Contact:
Jaffoni & CollinsInvestor Relations Contact:Richard Land, David Collins212/835-8500[email protected]
 
'Spidey' lifts Marvel; DWA on move

By Georg Szalai


April 17, 2007

NEW YORK -- Smaller entertainment firms Marvel Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation got some Street love last week, with bullish analyst reports boosting the stocks.

Sanders Morris Harris analyst David Miller raised his second-quarter earnings estimate for Marvel by 2 cents to 48 cents per share, citing "extremely robust volume thus far in the wholesale channel for 'Spider-Man'-related toys manufactured by Hasbro."

Marvel shares rose as much as 6%, inching close to their 52-week high.

With "Spider-Man 3" set to hit theaters next month, "informal checks at select Southern California toy retailers reveal that unit sales for Hasbro's new 'Spider-Man' toy line are pacing approximately 10% ahead of the same benchmark achieved at this point in 2004," when "Spider-Man 2" was released, Miller wrote.

As a result, the analyst boosted his second-quarter toy revenue estimate to $45 million, from $40 million, and his overall Marvel revenue projection for the quarter by $5 million to $127.2 million.
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Pali Research analyst Richard Greenfield last week upgraded DreamWorks Animation shares from "neutral" to "buy" in a note titled "Even an ogre can become attractive."

Greenfield argued that DWA "has spent the better part of the past two and half years suffering one disappointment after another" as it had to take writedowns on various films that underperformed expectations.

DWA shares rose as much as 5% the day of the upgrade, coming close to their 52-week high.

"Our renewed enthusiasm for DWA shares is based on our belief that DWA will have greater success and consistency to their feature film release schedule ... in others words, DWA's 'batting average' should notably improve," the analyst concluded.

"We believe DWA has the ability to earn $1.50 in earnings per share on average between 2007-2010, compared to the 56 cents it has averaged over the past couple of years."

Greenfield has a $35 target price on the stock.

"While more profitable film output over the next few years (particularly the next 24 months) is a key component of our upgrade to 'buy,' we are also encouraged by the need for upward revisions in our ultimate DVD unit forecasts for several of DWA recent releases," according to Greenfield.

Goldman Sachs analyst Anthony Noto late last month also upgraded DWA shares to "buy," citing 20%-plus upside potential to his new price target of $36, up from $28 previously.






http://www.hollywoodreporter.com
 
Yep. It hasn't even started with their own studio yet as far as incoming revenue. LOL Life is good.
 
Because I'm a prick, I'm gonna take away AD's oppourtunity to post this. Sega, which has the video game rights to Iron Man, also obtained the video game rights to Captain America, Thor, and Hulk.

Gamespot said:
Sega Hulk-ing up on Marvel licenses
Bruce Banner's mean and green alter ego, Captain America, and The Mighty Thor join Iron Man on the Japanese publisher's roster.
By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
Posted Apr 18, 2007 2:01 am PT

Last November, Sega announced that it had taken over the game license for the Marvel Comics hero Iron Man from Activision. Today, the Japan-based company announced it has acquired three more game licenses from the venerable comic book publisher turned media powerhouse.

Foremost among the new acquisitions is The Incredible Hulk, who is currently appearing in the role-playing game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.. Previously, Vivendi Games held the game rights to the brawny superhero, releasing 2005's critically acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (PS2, Xbox, GameCube) and 2003's less praised The Hulk (PC, PS2, Xbox, GameCube). Under the new deal, Sega will also be developing games based on the forthcoming movie The Incredible Hulk, which stars Edward Norton as the Hulk's less angry alter ego, Bruce Banner. The game will be released alongside the film next summer.

Though he may have died in comic books, Captain America will live on in game form. Sega is planning a game based on the forthcoming Captain America film, which is still in development. The last game that centered on the shield-wielding hero was Captain America and the Avengers (Game Boy, 1994), although he currently also appears in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.

Last--but in the minds of would-be Vikings everywhere, not least--Sega has landed the license for The Mighty Thor. Like Captain America, the comic centering on the earthly adventures of the Norse god is being turned into a film with a tentative post-2008 release date. The Mighty Thor game--the first based solely on the character--will be released alongside said movie on undisclosed consoles. (Thor is also a featured hero in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.)

Today's deal is a "multi-year global licensing agreement" that gives Sega exclusive rights to make Thor, Hulk, and Captain America games for consoles, handhelds, and the PC. In a statement, Simon Jeffery, Sega of America's President and COO said, "As Sega continues to create games that are built from the ground up to appeal to Western audiences it makes perfect sense to work with a powerhouse like Marvel."

marvelsega056_screen.jpg
 

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