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Black Ops 2 first-year unit sales could be down as much as 15% - analyst

Call of Duty sales are declining, despite the $500 million Black Ops 2 earned its first day at retail, according to Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia.

Speaking in an industry note, Bhatia said retail figures show a double digit decline year-over-year.

"Our checks show initial sales of CoD: Black Ops 2 at some retailers were down as much as 20%," he said. "Subsequently, it appears sales of CoD did pick up a bit over the Thanksgiving holiday. We think the current sales curve suggests unit sales in its first year could ultimately be down 10 to 15% year-over-year.

"If we are right, this would be the second year in a row this critical franchise will have seen units decline. We estimate CoD generates 40 to 45% of the company's EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) on an annual basis and it goes without saying that weakness in this franchise is a cause for concern."

Bhatia said one reason for the decline should have been Halo 4's launch the week prior, and another reason: customers waiting on holiday sales.

Thanks, GI International.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC

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Stephany Nunneley-Jackson

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Stephany is VG247’s News Editor, with 22 years experience (with 15 of them at VG247). With a brain that lacks adhesive ducks, the ill-tempered, chaotic neutral fembot does her best to bring you the most interesting gaming news. She is also unofficially the site’s Lord of the Rings/Elder Scrolls Editor.

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