Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities thinks that Grand Theft Auto V, when it finally releases, could sell 24 million copies. Analyzing Take Two’s most recent numbers, Pachter has come to the conclusion that a release of the next GTA could propel the company EPS figures higher and sell and unprecedented number of copies for the popular franchise.
“We expect the next Grand Theft Auto to sell at least 18 million units, representing a 20% attach rate to the estimated 2011 year-end installed base of PS3 and Xbox 360 in the U.S. and Europe. At this level, we estimate that Grand Theft Auto will generate at least $2.65/share in incremental EPS, making Take-Two’s forecast of ‘in excess’ of $2.00 per share in earnings during FY:13 easily attainable,” Pachter said in his most recent analysis.
Pachter believes that the 18 million sales figure is an utmost certainty, but also thinks that sales could be much higher. The analyst postulates that the game could sell upwards of 24 million copies which would be in-line with the company’s historical attachment rates. With all that money laying in wait, 2012 could be the year that we finally see GTA V. Despite being successful in recent quarters with releases like LA Noire, Duke Nukem Forever, and the continued success of franchises like Red Dead Redemption and NBA 2K, the Take Two company stock has taken a drubbing. Down from its May 2011 highs of 17.41, the common stock can be had for under 11 per share at the moment.
All predictions thus far have been wrong about when the next Grand Theft Auto game is coming, with millions of fans waiting for an announcement from the company.
