AlphaPolis Corp. lifted its full-year profit forecast after seeing strong digital book sales and success with anime-related titles, highlighting the growing demand for Japanese content across multiple formats.
The Tokyo-based publisher now expects net income of ¥1.92 billion ($12.8 million) for the year ending March 2024, up 23% from its previous forecast. Sales are projected to reach ¥13.1 billion, exceeding earlier estimates by 13%.
The company’s digital strategy paid off during the April-December period, with net income jumping 36% to ¥1.45 billion. Revenue rose 26% to ¥9.69 billion, driven by successful manga series like “Gate,” which has sold over 7.2 million copies.
AlphaPolis is capitalizing on the synergy between its publishing formats, with the comic adaptation of “Stepmother’s Etiquette” performing well in digital installments. The company is also expanding beyond its core light novel and manga businesses into children’s books and picture books to diversify revenue streams.
The publisher raised its dividend forecast to ¥14 per share from ¥11, reflecting confidence in sustained growth. The company released 262 light novel titles and 147 manga volumes during the nine-month period, increasing its output across all major categories.
Looking ahead, AlphaPolis expects to benefit from the January 2024 anime adaptation of “The Ultimate Alchemist?” as the franchise drives sales of both new and backlist titles.
