"Playboy" is not only popular with young people but also with middle-aged and elderly individuals. Beauty appeals to all men over 14, regardless of their marital status.
Amid the magazine's success, Hardy received more good news. Andy reported that due to the magazine's strong sales, the stock price of "Playboy" had skyrocketed from $1.50 to $5.00, and the upward trend showed no signs of stopping.
The first issue of the magazine sold 50,000 copies, and this news quickly spread. Many investors flocked to the stock market to buy shares of Playboy, driven by the magazine's impressive performance.
Given that "Playboy" is a monthly publication, selling 100,000 copies per issue could generate $3 million in sales, with an annual profit estimated around $1 million. This is a significant figure that would make many companies envious. To put it in perspective, a TV factory Hardy and Mike invested in, with an annual output of 40,000 units, has a profit of $1.08 million—less profitable than a magazine.
Hardy owns 75% of the magazine's non-tradable shares and 74% of the tradable shares, totaling more than 90% of the stock. His investment, originally valued at $0.04 per share, has exploded 125-fold. Investors anticipate even greater profits, projecting potential net profits of $10 million annually if sales continue to rise.
The magazine's success has also attracted social attention and criticism, particularly from conservatives who view "Playboy" as obscene and insulting to women. Hefner responded to these criticisms with an article published in The New York Times, defending the magazine. He argued that "Playboy" features art rather than pornography and celebrates feminine beauty and intellectual pursuits.
Despite the criticism, sales of "Playboy" have surged, leading to another sell-out of 50,000 additional copies. The stock price has climbed to over $6 per share, marking a significant financial gain for Hardy.
As Christmas approaches, Hardy prepares for the release of Barbie dolls. The toy factory has completed 30,000 sets, which are set to hit the market just in time for the holiday season. The dolls, including individual gift boxes and combination sets, are crafted with high-quality materials and feature a range of accessories.
Hardy plans to launch the dolls in upscale shopping malls and independent counters to maintain their luxury appeal. The cost of each gift box is around $15.80, with a profit margin of three to four times the production cost.
Hardy also sends Christmas presents to Ava and Taylor, including Barbie dolls. He includes a card apologizing for missing their meetings due to a commitment to the Flamingo Casino's opening event on Christmas Eve.
On December 11, Hardy meets Han Yezhen and Irina at an auction house. He presents Han Yezhen with a Chinese princess Barbie doll, which she admires for its exquisite design. Irina, impressed by the beauty of the dolls, expresses her desire for a similar set named after her.
Overall, the chapter highlights Hardy's growing success and influence in both business and personal relationships, while also showcasing the impact of "Playboy" on the market and its cultural significance.
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