Akatsuki

Akatsuki Inc. demonstrated significant financial resilience in FY3/25, characterized by a 46% year-over-year surge in consolidated operating profit to ¥3,915 million. While total sales experienced a marginal 1% decline, the core Games segment maintained stability through high-performing legacy titles such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle and Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe. Strong overseas performance and successful large-scale events effectively offset nearly ¥6 billion in development expenses for upcoming projects. This period also marked a strategic turning point as the Comics and IP Solutions segments achieved profitability, driven by the international launch of the MANGA MIRAI service and the rapid expansion of the Slash Gift online lottery platform.

The company’s investment arm further bolstered the balance sheet, realizing ¥2,840 million in proceeds during the fiscal year with additional capital gains anticipated from the IPO of LIFE CREATE Co., Ltd. in early FY3/26. Despite a reduction in total headcount from 803 to 697, primarily within the Games division, permanent staffing levels remained consistent, reflecting a shift toward operational efficiency. This lean organizational structure supports a robust financial position, with ¥33.3 billion in cash reserves earmarked for a ¥35 billion growth investment plan over the next three years, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and next-generation game development.

Looking toward FY3/26, the group anticipates sustained growth in sales and profit, anchored by the upcoming release of Kaiju No. 8 The Game and the continued scaling of its digital content divisions. To reflect this positive outlook and strong liquidity, the shareholder return policy has been revised upward, increasing the target Dividend on Equity from 3% to 4%. This strategy signals a transition into a new growth phase where diversified IP solutions and global service expansions complement the established mobile gaming portfolio.

Akatsuki Inc. has revised its dividend forecast for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, transitioning from an undetermined status to a specific payout of 110 yen per share for the full year. This decision follows a strategic shift in the company’s shareholder return policy, specifically raising the benchmark for consolidated Dividend on Equity from 3% to 4%. This adjustment reflects a comprehensive assessment of the current business environment, investment recovery status, and the progress of various growth initiatives within the gaming and diversified business segments.

The revised policy establishes a progressive dividend framework aimed at balancing proactive growth investments with consistent profit distribution. Under this new structure, the total annual dividend is split evenly, with 50% paid as a year-end dividend for the current fiscal year and the remaining 50% distributed as an interim dividend in the following year. Consequently, the year-end dividend for the period ending March 31, 2025, is set at 55 yen per share. This represents a significant increase over the previous fiscal year’s total payout of 80 yen per share.

This financial update covers the Japanese market where Akatsuki Inc. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. The board of directors resolved these changes on May 9, 2025, with the final dividend matter scheduled for submission at the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting in June 2025. The move signals management's confidence in maintaining financial soundness while pursuing long-term corporate value and sustainable growth despite the inherent volatility of the short-term operating environment in the games industry.

Akatsuki Inc. reported a significant increase in profitability for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, despite a slight contraction in overall revenue. Consolidated net sales reached 23,652 million yen, representing a 1.3% decrease from the previous year. This decline was primarily driven by portfolio restructuring within the Games business, which offset the positive contributions from new title releases. However, operating profit rose by 46.3% to 3,915 million yen, and ordinary profit grew by 49.4% to 4,233 million yen. Profit attributable to owners of the parent also saw a 27.8% increase, totaling 1,646 million yen, resulting in a profit per share of 114.22 yen.

The improved profit margins were largely attributed to growth in the Comics and IP Solutions segments. The Comics business benefited from development and operational support for an overseas manga platform, while the IP Solutions segment saw expansion in its online lottery service, Slash Gift. These gains successfully mitigated increased research and development expenses within the Games business. Furthermore, the company realized gains from the sale of shares following the initial public offerings of several investee companies, which bolstered net income.

To ensure long-term financial soundness, the company recorded several one-time charges. On a consolidated basis, an extraordinary loss of 593 million yen was recognized for the valuation of investment securities. On a non-consolidated basis, the company recorded a 5,776 million yen provision for doubtful accounts and a 2,454 million yen loss on the valuation of shares in affiliated companies. While these non-consolidated figures are substantial, they represent internal assessments of subsidiary loans and investments and had a minimal impact on the final consolidated financial results for the fiscal year.

Akatsuki Inc. reported its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ended March 2025, highlighting a period of strategic "selection and concentration" that led to a significant increase in profitability. While total annual sales remained relatively flat at ¥23.65 billion, a 1% decrease year-over-year, consolidated operating profit jumped 46% to ¥3.91 billion. This growth was driven by the stabilization of the core Games segment and the successful transition of the Comics and IP Solutions divisions into profitable entities.

The Games segment, which accounts for the vast majority of revenue, generated ¥21.24 billion in sales. Performance was bolstered by the 10th anniversary of Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle, which achieved record-high overseas sales and operating profit. These gains effectively offset revenue losses from withdrawn titles and increased research and development spending for upcoming projects like TRIBE NINE and Kaiju No. 8 The Game. Meanwhile, the Comics segment saw a 50% surge in annual sales to ¥1.14 billion, achieving full-year profitability due to strong external sales of original works, successful media dramatizations, and a strategic partnership with NTT Docomo for the MANGA MIRAI service in the United States.

Geographically, the results reflect a strong emphasis on global expansion, particularly through simultaneous worldwide game campaigns and international comic distribution. Financial data indicates a robust balance sheet with ¥33.3 billion in cash and total assets of ¥54.6 billion. The company also benefited from a substantial increase in gains from the sale of investment securities, which rose over 700% to ¥2.16 billion. Overall, the fiscal year concluded with a net income of ¥1.65 billion, representing a 28% increase over the previous year, supported by improved operational efficiency across all business pillars.

MIXI, Inc. achieved significant financial growth during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, characterized by a 5.4% increase in net sales to ¥154.8 billion and a 148.5% surge in profit attributable to owners, reaching ¥17.6 billion. While the core Digital Entertainment segment experienced a minor revenue contraction as engagement for the flagship title Monster Strike stabilized following its tenth anniversary, overall performance was bolstered by the Sports and Investment segments. Growth in these areas was primarily driven by increased betting service sales and strategic share divestments. This profitability was further supported by a ¥7 billion reduction in selling, general, and administrative expenses, specifically within advertising and settlement fees.

The financial position remains robust, with total assets expanding to ¥225.5 billion and net cash from operating activities nearly tripling to ¥27.5 billion. Despite this liquidity, the equity ratio saw a marginal decline to 79.4% due to treasury share acquisitions and new borrowings, including a ¥9 billion loan commitment for the subsidiary Chariloto Co., Ltd. The fiscal year was also marked by strategic organizational shifts, including the acquisition of picon, Inc. and the establishment of MIXI Australia, though these were tempered by a ¥1 billion loss resulting from improper transactions at a subsidiary.

Operations remain heavily concentrated in the Japanese market, which accounts for over 90% of net sales. Looking toward the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, the outlook remains cautious with a projected 26.1% decline in profit despite stable sales forecasts of ¥155 billion. Future growth strategies prioritize expansion into AI technologies and the continued scaling of the Sports and Lifestyle segments. To maintain shareholder value, the company has committed to a ¥9.500 million treasury share repurchase program and the cancellation of 2.4 million shares, following a significant rise in basic earnings per share from ¥99.71 to ¥255.43.