Bushiroad FY2024 3Q Financial Results Briefing Material

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Bushiroad has revised its full-year earnings forecast downward due to persistent losses within its Digital Contents Unit.See it on page 4
02
The company is restructuring its digital strategy by terminating underperforming mobile titles and shifting focus toward console game development.See it on page 23
03
The Trading Card Game (TCG) segment remains a stable revenue pillar, anchored by core titles Weiẞ Schwarz and Cardfight!! Vanguard, and expanded by the new Dream Order professional baseball card game.See it on page 15
04
To support global TCG growth, the company acquired a manufacturing facility in Malaysia and is increasing its international event schedule.See it on page 33
05
The Sports unit is undergoing internal consolidation, including the integration of STARDOM under New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the merger of music subsidiaries to improve operational efficiency.See it on page 40
06
The 'One-Stop Media Mix' strategy continues to drive growth for intellectual properties like BanG Dream!, which is supported by live performances and the PalVerse figure brand.See it on page 41

Summary

Bushiroad’s financial performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 reflects a period of significant transition characterized by declining sales and profits. This downturn is primarily attributed to persistent losses within the Digital Contents Unit, which has necessitated a downward revision of the company’s full-year earnings forecast. In response, the organization is actively restructuring its digital strategy by terminating underperforming mobile titles and pivoting toward console game development to mitigate long-term financial risks.

Despite these digital challenges, the Trading Card Game (TCG) and Sports units remain stable pillars of the company’s operations. Core titles such as Weiẞ Schwarz and Cardfight!! Vanguard continue to anchor the TCG segment, bolstered by the recent introduction of the Dream Order professional baseball card game. To support this growth, the company is enhancing its global supply chain through the acquisition of a manufacturing facility in Malaysia and an intensified international event schedule. Simultaneously, the Sports unit is undergoing internal consolidation, merging music subsidiaries and integrating STARDOM under New Japan Pro-Wrestling to improve operational efficiency and streamline management.

The company continues to execute its signature One-Stop Media Mix strategy, which integrates anime, games, live events, and merchandise to maximize the value of its intellectual properties. Projects like BanG Dream! demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, showing consistent growth through live performances and the expansion of the PalVerse figure brand. By positioning itself as a comprehensive platform company, Bushiroad aims to leverage its promotional expertise to support both internal and external collaborations. These efforts, paired with a new bilingual corporate profile, underscore a commitment to transparency and sustained international expansion across the global entertainment market.