Bandai Namco (TYO:7832) reported a modest increase in profit in the fiscal year 2026 versus a year earlier, supported by sustained growth in its Toys and Hobby division and strong sales of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.
Profit attributable to owners rose 8.8% to 140.7 billion Japanese yen from 129.3 billion yen a year earlier, with earnings per share rising to 217.49 yen from 197.88 yen.
The Japanese toy company, known for its Gundam, Tekken and Pac-Man franchises, logged an 8.6% year-on-year increase in net sales to 1.348 trillion yen from 1.242 trillion yen, while operating profit climbed 5.2% to 189.5 billion yen from 180.2 billion yen a year ago.
Sales were boosted by a 12.9% jump in sales at its Toys and Hobby division to 674 billion yuan. Sales at Bandai Namco's Digital, Visual and Music, Amusement and Other segments posted single-digit increases versus a year ago.
Specifically, sales of Mobile Suit Gundam IP within the company's Toys and Hobby business jumped to 106.3 billion yen from 75.7 billion yen a year prior.
Bandai Namco Chief Financial Officer Takashi Tsuji told the Nikkei that the company is seeking a sharp rise in sales related to the Mobile Suit Gundam IP ahead of a live-action film currently in development in Hollywood.
The company targets up to 300 billion yen in sales of the IP.
Bandai Namco's board declared a dividend of 50 yen per share to shareholders on record as of March 31. The payment date is on June 23.
For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the company expects its profit to rise 4.1% year on year to 64 billion yen, or 99.76 yen per share. Revenue, however, is forecast to slip 2.1% to 75.5 billion yen.



