Integrated Report 2020

The Bandai Namco Group’s 2020 Integrated Report outlines a strategic framework centered on its proprietary IP axis strategy, which seeks to maximize the value of approximately 300 intellectual properties by deploying them across diverse entertainment formats, including toys, network content, visual and music production, and live amusement facilities. The primary thesis of the report is that by integrating these business units and fostering organizational synergy, the company can ensure long-term global growth and resilience. This strategy is anchored by flagship franchises such as Gundam, PAC-MAN, and One Piece, which serve as the foundation for both domestic and international expansion.

Financially, the group demonstrated stability during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, reporting net sales of ¥723.9 billion and an operating profit of ¥78.7 billion. Despite these strong figures, the company faced headwinds in the fourth quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a strategic pivot toward increased digitalization, centralized cash management, and the postponement of its next mid-term plan to April 2022. The company maintains a robust balance sheet with an equity ratio of 72.5% and continues to prioritize shareholder returns through a total payout ratio of 50%. Key operational developments during this period included the acquisition of SOTSU CO., LTD. to bolster the IP Creation segment and the expansion of global production capacity for the Gundam plastic model business, which reached 700 million cumulative shipments.

Beyond financial performance, the report emphasizes a commitment to corporate governance, ESG initiatives, and human capital development. The group utilizes a performance-based remuneration framework for directors and maintains a diverse board to ensure transparency and effective oversight. Furthermore, the company is actively integrating sustainability into its operations through product safety, environmental footprint reduction, and inclusive employment practices. By aligning its organizational structure—specifically through the unification of business units—with its long-term vision, the group aims to navigate current market volatility and sustain its position as a leader in the global entertainment industry.