IG Port, the Japanese anime producer behind “SPY × FAMILY” and “Haikyu!!,” posted a 56% decline in operating profit for the fiscal first quarter as licensing revenue plummeted from elevated year-earlier levels.
Operating profit fell to ¥196 million ($1.3 million) for the three months ended August from ¥444 million a year earlier, the Tokyo-based company said Tuesday. Revenue dropped 32% to ¥3.06 billion. The results reflect a steep comparison after the company booked lump-sum licensing income from “Kimi ni Todoke 3RD SEASON” in the prior-year period, along with substantial revenue from the “Haikyu!!” theatrical release.
The animation production unit recorded a ¥136 million operating loss, though narrower than last year’s ¥394 million deficit. Rising costs present a challenge, with the company setting aside reserves for potential losses on projects experiencing longer production timelines and higher outsourcing expenses for computer graphics work.
Licensing revenue plunged 76% to ¥500 million ($3.3 million), even as other intellectual property income performed steadily. The publishing division saw a 30% profit decline despite electronic book sales remaining solid for titles like “Dahliya Wilts No More.”
The company held its full-year profit forecast at ¥1.36 billion, up 64% from last year, suggesting management expects a strong recovery in remaining quarters. IG Port operates Production I.G and Wit Studio, which recently merged with subsidiary Signal.MD.
