Updated Mar 21, 2026 by Bandai Namco
Financial · September 1, 2017
Published by Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco’s 2017 integrated report presents a comprehensive account of the company’s financial, strategic, and governance performance, emphasizing the central role of its “IP‑axis” strategy in achieving record results. By leveraging core intellectual properties across games, toys, visual media, and music, the group generated ¥620.1 billion in net sales and ¥63.2 billion in operating profit, a 27.7 % year‑on‑year increase, while free‑cash flow rose 47.7 %. The Network Entertainment segment contributed 57.9 % of sales and 63.8 % of profit, with flagship franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam (¥74 billion) and Dragon Ball (¥61 billion) underpinning cross‑media expansion and overseas growth in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Strategic outlook is framed by the newly launched three‑year “NEXT STAGE” plan, which targets global IP expansion, regional autonomy, and continued innovation to meet mid‑term objectives a year ahead of schedule. Governance is reinforced through a ten‑member board—including three independent directors—and an audit‑supervisory board meeting Japanese Corporate Governance Code standards. A robust compliance and risk‑management framework, performance‑linked director compensation, and extensive investor‑relations activities underscore the company’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder trust. Corporate‑social‑responsibility initiatives achieved a 27 % reduction in CO₂ emissions since FY2012 and introduced universal‑design products and supplier audits. Financially, profit attributable to owners reached ¥44.2 billion, EPS rose to ¥201, and dividends of ¥15.4 billion were declared. Acquisitions such as
OUR MISSION STATEMENT Dreams, Fun and Inspiration “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” are the Engine of Happiness. Through our entertainment products and services, BANDAI NAMCO will continue to provide “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” to people around the world, based on our boundless creativity and enthusiasm. The BANDAI NAMCO Group develops entertainment-related products and services in a wide range of fields, including toys, network content, home video games, arcade games, amusement facilities, and visual and music content. In accordance with our Mid-term Plan, which includes the vision of “NEXT STAGE—Empower, Gain Momentum, Accelerate Evolution,” we are aiming to be No. 1 with strong conviction. On that basis, we are committed to being “the Leading Innovator in Global Entertainment” and recording strong growth.
CONTENTS 02 THE BANDAI NAMCO Group— 06 1 Year of Results (FY2017.3) 08 04 STRATEGIC BUSINESS UNITS (SBUs) — 1 Year of Results (FY2017.3) 10 06 MAJOR IP IN GROUP PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 08 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDIT & SUPERVISORY BOARD MEMBERS 16 10 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 12 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 16 MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF 34 OUR SBU CORE COMPANIES OUR VISION VISION 38 The Leading 19 SPECIAL FEATURE: The IP Axis Strategy — The Driving Force Behind the Group’s Growth 45 34 DISCUSSION AMONG OUTSIDE DIRECTORS Innovator 38 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 49 in Global 45 CSR INITIATIVES 48 HUMAN RESOURCES INITIATIVES Entertainment 49 FINANCIAL SECTION 87 CORPORATE DATA 88 OVERVIEW OF MAIN GROUP COMPANIES As an entertainment leader across the ages, About Integrated Report 2017 BANDAI NAMCO is constantly exploring new areas In editing this report, we made reference to the International Integrated Reporting Framework of the International Integrated Reporting Council and heights in entertainment. (IIRC). We aim to be loved by people who have fun and Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements in this report are based on the informawill earn their trust as “the Leading Innovator tion available to management as of August 2017 and include various risks in Global Entertainment.” and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from these projections for a variety of reasons. Major factors that could influence actual results include changes in the BANDAI NAMCO Group’s operating environment, market trends, and exchange rate fluctuations. Notes: 1. All figures in this report are rounded to the nearest unit. 2.
er materially from these projections for a variety of reasons. Major factors that could influence actual results include changes in the BANDAI NAMCO Group’s operating environment, market trends, and exchange rate fluctuations. Notes: 1. All figures in this report are rounded to the nearest unit. 2. FY2017.3 and the year under review represent the one-year period ended March 31, 2017. 3. Figures in this report are as of August 2017. CSR IR Our website provides a variety of information about the BANDAI NAMCO Group, such as IR information and CSR initiatives. Please utilize the website in conjunction with this report. www.bandainamco.co.jp/en/ index.html
THE BANDAI NAMCO Group FY2017.3 1 Year of Results BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31 Net Sales Operating Profit Overview of Results ¥620.1 billion ¥63.2 billion To strengthen the IP axis strategy, the Company advanced initiatives in a number of 7.7 27.4 areas, such as creating and nurturing new IP, YOY % YOY % extending target markets, and expanding new businesses. Overseas, we worked to expand 620.1 63.2 IP lineups, business fields, and areas, including 565.5 575.5 56.3 in Asia and in Europe and the Americas. 487.2 507.7 48.6 49.6 On the business front, the Company 44.7 recorded year-on-year increases in the Net Sales Operating Network Entertainment Business, which (¥ billion) 22.4 Profit performed well, mainly in network content 18.1 20.6 (¥ billion) 10.0 8.8 10.0 10.2 and overseas home video games, and in 17.3 16.7 8.6 the Visual and Music Production Business, Overseas Operating which delivered a strong performance, Sales Profit primarily in its key IP. Proportion Margin As a result, in FY2017.3 the BANDAI (%) (%) NAMCO Group achieved record high sales and operating profit on a consolidated net basis. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Segment Sales Ratio Segment Profit Ratio Visual and Other Visual and Other Music 4.1 Music 1.0 Production % Production % Toys and Hobby 8.6% Toys and Hobby 19.4% 15.8% 29.4% Network Network Entertainment Entertainment 57.9% 63.8% Note: Percentage figures are calculated based on sales before elimination of internal transactions. Contributions to Net Sales by Return on Equity (ROE) Return on Assets (ROA) Geographic Region 13.3% 13.5% Asia, excluding Japan
15.8% 29.4% Network Network Entertainment Entertainment 57.9% 63.8% Note: Percentage figures are calculated based on sales before elimination of internal transactions. Contributions to Net Sales by Return on Equity (ROE) Return on Assets (ROA) Geographic Region 13.3% 13.5% Asia, excluding Japan Europe 6.6% 348.8 488.0 6.1% 303.5 317.3 405.1 441.8 448.3 Americas 268.0 374.2 8.0% 248.8 Total Total Net 14.1 13.2 13.3 Assets 14.0 14.0 13.5 Assets 11.2 (¥ billion) Japan (¥ billion) 12.2 11.4 79.3% ROE 9.7 ROA (%) (%) Note: Percentage figures are calculated based on external sales. Figures are estimates based on 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 management accounting.
Profit Attributable to Owners of Parent Free Cash Flows* Shareholders’ Equity Ratio ¥44.2 billion ¥51.1 billion 71.3% YOY 27.7% YOY 47.7% (¥ billion) 44.2 (¥ billion) 51.1 325.1 357.6 32.4 37.6 34.6 34.6 259.0 274.3 304.1 70.6 71.3 30.6 Total 68.6 25.1 26.9 Shareholders’ 66.0 66.0 21.6 Equity (¥ billion) Shareholders’ Equity Ratio (%) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 * Free cash flows = Net cash provided by operating activities + Net cash used in investing activities Debt / Equity Ratio* Cash Dividends per Share Basic Earnings per Share 0.00<sub>times</sub> ¥82 ¥201.03 YOY ¥30 YOY ¥43.60 13.3 82*<sup>2</sup> (Yen) 201.03 171.10 Interest- 9.2 62*<sup>1</sup> 147.40 157.43 Bearing Debt Cash Dividends 52 114.05 (¥ billion) per Share 45 0.05 (Yen) 35 40.8 Debt / Equity 4.4 Consolidated 30.5 30.7 36.2 33.0 Ratio* 0.03 1.9 0.9 Dividend (Times) 0.01 0.01 0.00 Payout Ratio (%) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 * Debt / equity ratio = Interest-bearing debt / *1 FY2015.3 includes a special dividend of ¥10. Total shareholders’ equity *2 FY2017.3 includes a special dividend of ¥20. Sales of Major IPs* (Group total) Game Content R&D Investment and Capital Investment Mobile Suit Gundam 2017 ¥74.3 billion series 2016 ¥78.6 billion 59.0 DRAGON BALL 2017 ¥61.1 billion 51.8 55.8 54.6 series 2016 ¥34.9 billion 43.2 ONE PIECE 2017 ¥30.4 billion Game Content 2016 ¥23.3 billion R&D Investment KAMEN RIDER 2017 ¥22.3 billion (¥ billion) 18.5 23.5 22.3 21.3 19.6 series 2016 ¥18.6 billion
The 2018 integrated report presents Bandai Namco’s strategic and financial narrative, emphasizing a record‑high fiscal performance and a forward‑looking “CHANGE for the NEXT” mid‑term plan (FY 2018‑2021). Consolidated net sales reached ¥678.3 billion, up 9.4 % year‑on‑year, while operating profit climbed 18.6 % to ¥75.0 billion, delivering an operating margin of 11.1 % and basic earnings per share of ¥246.3. Shareholder returns were reinforced with a total dividend of ¥123 per share, including a ¥25 special dividend. Growth was driven primarily by the Network Entertainment unit and the launch of a new IP‑Creation Unit, which generated 309 copyrighted titles (2,560 hours of content) and is supported by a ¥25 billion strategic‑investment fund aimed at multiplying IP value 100‑ to 1,000‑fold. The “IP‑axis” strategy extends core franchises such as Gundam, PAC‑MAN, Aikatsu! and IDOLiSH7 across animation, games, toys, novels and live‑action, while new‑entertainment initiatives target digital‑first content, mature fan markets, e‑sports and location‑based venues. Expansion in China includes flagship stores, hologram anti‑counterfeit seals and integrated e‑commerce, reinforcing the group’s global footprint. Corporate governance was strengthened through an independent board of 11 directors (three outside) and an audit‑supervisory board meeting stringent independence criteria, complemented by a risk‑compliance charter, business continuity planning and transparent stakeholder engagement. The CSR agenda, under the “Dreams, Fun and Inspiration” mission, achieved a roughly 20 % reduction in CO₂ emissions, deployment of LED lighting, green‑procurement standards banning 29 hazardous substances, and extensive supplier audits. Financially, the company managed a rise in debt to ¥1.47 trillion, a modest decline in cash reserves, and an effective tax rate of 25.7 % aided by R&D credits. Consistent ROE above 10 % and a clean audit opinion underscore the robustness of the business model, while directors call for further earnings‑model innovation, accelerated global expansion, and diversified talent development to sustain the vision of becoming the leading entertainment company.
Bandai Namco Holdings presented its FY 2015‑16 performance to underscore an IP‑centric growth model that integrates toys, network entertainment and visual‑music production across global markets. The company recorded ¥575.5 billion in net sales, a modest 1.8 % year‑on‑year increase, while operating income fell to ¥49.6 billion (‑8 %) and profit attributable to owners reached ¥34.6 billion, supported by ¥34.6 billion of free cash flow and a cash balance of ¥169 billion. Return on equity stood at 11.2 %, and total liabilities declined to ¥131 billion, lifting net assets to ¥2.82 trillion. Segment contributions were ¥206.4 billion from Toys & Hobby, ¥320.9 billion from Network Entertainment and ¥52.0 billion from Visual‑Music, with core franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Dragon Ball, Super Sentai and Yo‑kai Watch driving the bulk of revenue. The “IP axis” strategy emphasized cross‑category exploitation of established and emerging intellectual property, enabling Gundam model shipments of 14.4 million units—30 % exported—and expanding adult‑women product lines in cosmetics and apparel. Live‑event initiatives for Love Live! scaled to stadiums in Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, while new music‑centric IPs and VR‑ZONE concepts broadened the entertainment portfolio. The report highlighted continued penetration
The 2015 annual report presents Bandai Namco’s strategic blueprint to become the world’s leading innovator in entertainment, anchored by an IP‑centric growth model and a three‑year “NEXT STAGE” mid‑term plan. The narrative links the company’s 2005 integration anniversary to a renewed “IP‑axis” strategy that drives product development, cross‑SBU collaboration, and geographic expansion, especially across Asia. Financial results for fiscal 2015 show consolidated net sales of ¥565.5 billion, up 11.4 % year‑on‑year, with operating income rising 26.1 % to ¥56.3 billion and an operating margin of 10 %. Net income surged 50 % to ¥37.6 billion, lifting ROE to 13.2 % and ROA to 14.0 %. Operating cash flow reached ¥50.1 billion, expanding cash‑and‑cash‑equivalents to ¥153.8 billion, and a record dividend of ¥62 per share was declared. The mid‑term targets aim for ¥600 billion in net sales and ¥60 billion in operating profit by FY 2018, with a ROE above 10 %. Segment goals include Toys & Hobby sales of ¥250 billion and ¥18 billion profit, Network Entertainment sales of ¥310‑¥
The 2013 fiscal year demonstrated Bandai Namco’s ability to convert its long‑standing intellectual property into record financial results, underscoring an IP‑Axis strategy that leveraged legacy brands across toys, games and multimedia. Consolidated net sales reached ¥487.2 billion, a 7.3 % increase year‑on‑year, while operating income surged 40.6 % to ¥48.6 billion, delivering a 10 % operating margin and a 14.1 % return on equity. Net profit of ¥183.1 billion and cash holdings of ¥119 billion (≈US $1.27 billion) highlighted strong liquidity, and a ¥2.64 billion mid‑year dividend reflected confidence in cash generation. The Content segment accounted for 83.4 % of sales, with flagship franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam contributing ¥65.2 billion and the Idolmaster franchise expanding from a single arcade title into a multi‑platform ecosystem. Domestic demand drove the bulk of performance; overseas sales comprised only 7.6 % of revenue, prompting a strategic merger of Namco Bandai Games Europe and Namco Bandai Partners to consolidate European marketing and restore profitability. Related‑party activity centered on a 26.3 % stake in Happinet, which generated ¥46‑48 billion in sales and ¥9‑10 billion in receivables. The company adjusted its actuarial assumptions, lowering the discount rate to 0.6‑1.4 % and reducing expected plan‑asset returns, while operating‑lease obligations rose to ¥8.7 billion. Corporate social responsibility was framed around four pillars—product safety, societal impact, environmental stewardship, and supply‑chain management—and operationalized through initiatives such as a