Aiming Inc. has announced its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024. The company’s performance was hindered by a delay in finalizing a contract with investors for a non-consolidated production committee, postponing the recognition of contract sales of over ¥300 million (US$2.1 million) and incurring a non-operating loss of over ¥100 million (US$0.7 million). Consequently, sales did not meet expectations, although losses in various profit categories were less than anticipated.
For the period from January to June 2024, Aiming reported sales of ¥8,096 million (US$56.1 million), down 10.3% year-on-year. The operating loss stood at ¥748 million (US$5.2 million), compared to a profit of ¥419 million last year. The ordinary loss was ¥553 million (US$3.8 million), a shift from a profit of ¥508 million in the previous year. The net loss increased to ¥934 million (US$6.5 million) from a loss of ¥160 million last year.
Sales were further affected by the aging of the game “I Want to Become the Lord in the Shadows! Master of Garden” and the conclusion of its associated anime. The postponement of contract sales compounded this decline. Additionally, increased labor and outsourcing costs linked to ongoing development projects contributed to substantial losses in all profit categories.
Looking ahead, Aiming anticipates continued red ink for the cumulative third quarter (January to September 2024), with projections indicating sales of ¥13,634 million (US$94.4 million), down 1.4% year-on-year. The operating loss is expected to be ¥229 million (US$1.6 million), the ordinary loss ¥420 million (US$2.9 million), and the net loss ¥464 million (US$3.2 million). The company has yet to provide a full fiscal year earnings forecast, citing the volatility of the online gaming market, particularly on smartphones. Aiming plans to release updated forecasts with its next quarterly results.
