After a night of cursing, the investment banks went silent. While some still insisted they shouldn't be free as they could earn more, those speaking up were likely to be sidelined quickly. You don't have to come up with the ideas; that's the CEO's job. If you can't recognize a good idea, it's better to just head home. Vision is critical in this business.
Investment banks could easily figure out how profitable Viking Comics' strategy was. Items like these weren't hard to gauge, as companies like Hasbro or Mattel could quickly calculate toy costs. What they didn't realize was that Marvel was also crazy with jealousy. As a leader in the comic industry, it had clearly fallen behind.
As for picking such a sensitive time? As long as you succeed, no one cares why you did it. The folks in Washington certainly didn't mind, and some even relished it.
With Viking Comics' moves, public anxiety seemed to lessen. When this conclusion hit the desks at major investment banks, the old timers were left speechless. Was this a serious connection? Linking such unrelated things is downright clever, but at least inviting European partners for a tour helped disperse the war shadows.
The Soviets' exercise sparked a new arms race, making the whole world feel threatened. European allies were certain that if they couldn't hold the Soviets at the border, the Americans wouldn't be able to rescue on time. At a bare minimum, they needed to stall for a month; otherwise, it's pointless.
With it being an arms race, defense companies had to respond first. It had been too long since the swords and spears were put away; time to rearm quickly.
...
It was an undeniable fact that the toys were selling like hotcakes. Forget about the Christmas season; these toys weren't even enough for Thanksgiving if more orders weren't made promptly.
A budget of over 50 million for advertising?
Is that reasonable?
Any problem with that?
If you succeed, you're a genius. Some people think 50 million isn't enough, and a hundred million might be just right.
This conclusion is quite normal. The main buyers of Transformers toys were surprisingly adults. As for the kids, they had just started seeing the ads.
There are plenty of consultancy firms in the US, each with its area of expertise. As long as you pay them enough dollars, this data will quickly land on your desk.
Don't underestimate this; it's a lucrative business, making a lot of money.
So, how do you calculate a company's valuation?
Well, there definitely won't be a Series B funding; it's already at the standard of a listed company.
"Three and a half billion?"
"Have the Japanese gone nuts?"
"If it's a complete sale, this price could be higher."
"This is tricky. We need to change our strategy; the previous conditions can't continue."
Of course, they can't continue. William White isn't a fool. In this IPO, Morgan Stanley isn't the only underwriter, as these companies are listed in both places.
"So, he's not surprised by the current situation?"
"Yes, the sales peak is not now. From their additional orders, within 4 billion dollars is reasonable. This is just one IP, and the anime Saint Seiya is also in production."
...
William White couldn't care less about these ideas. One plus one is indeed greater than two. You see toys selling hot, so why not check out the comic magazine, which has surpassed 20 million in sales?
William White was very confident about next year's ad slots. With over 20 million in numbers, it's quite attractive. According to consultancy reports, William White believed the year-end auction would be lively.
"Boss, we've completed this model."
"Okay, let me take a look."
Fiddling with the car model in his hand, William White was delighted. This thing was indeed a car.
"Good, I'm very satisfied. Order thirty of each."
Seeing his subordinates confused expression, William White found it amusing.
"What, can't you finish it?"
"No, we used to produce only after receiving orders."
"Yes, so what's the problem? The order I'm giving you follows the rules, and I'll also pay the deposit."
"Then there are no problems."
"Produce a few first. I need to hold a press conference."
"Understood, boss. I'll finish it as soon as possible."
The CEO of the car company left. Having a country bumpkin boss wasn't bad; at least he wasn't short of money.
...
"Young master, your new house is ready for you."
"Ha-ha, thank you, Fulton. This place is indeed a bit small."
"It's nothing. Staying home all the time isn't a habit."
"Fulton, you're getting older; don't run around so much. Let the young ones handle it."
"Understood, young master."
William White's current villa wasn't small, but his entourage and lifestyle have become bigger, making it a bit cramped.
...
Now Citibank is really mad. They already sold the shares to Morgan Stanley.
It's not that they didn't see the potential of the two companies; the key issue is, they weren't welcome.
Originally, they thought this investment wasn't bad. In just a few months, they almost doubled their investment.
Now that they've completely exited, Citibank has no chance to enjoy the fruits of this opportunity.
Alright, William White ended up taking the blame again.
Anyhow, Citibank is furious, babbling about a life-or-death struggle.
...
"Stupid dog, stop chewing the table."
"Bark, whimper."
These were quality woods. Although William White was extravagant, he wasn't wasteful.
"Fulton, the shooting range here is much bigger. I really like it."
"Young master, the golf course has also expanded quite a bit."
"Sigh, do you think my skills are too poor? I can't beat those old guys at Morgan Stanley."
"Young master, you're overthinking. Your skills are already excellent. With a few more years of practice, you won't lose to anyone."
Well, it's not as big as in Texas.
The air in Los Angeles isn't great. William White has already planned it. Communications aren't advanced yet, maybe in a few years, remote command would be the way to go.
Once this IPO brings in the funds, he can start the land-buying campaign. His idea differs from the conglomerates; enjoying life is what he should do.
*****
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