Despite some feel-good mantras implying the opposite, there ARE benefits to being on the top of the heap. One of those is having them come to you.

Funimation's in that position right now, as it is the US anime industry's top dog. A conference call with industry analysts had  Funi CEO Cary L. Deacon mentioning that they have "a first look at all opportunities in terms of licenses." He further noted, "we're seeing them all, we have an opportunity to bid on them all."

Despite what it sounds like, this is a good thing. Funimation isn't exactly a monopoly, despite having more than half the anime market share in the US. The comment is better thought of as a sign that the industry in Japan is well aware of the overseas market, including who's up and who's down within.

Combined with this quarter's profit report, things are looking up for good ol' Funi.