Japan’s Konami retains strong credit rating, aims for record profit
Japanese entertainment and gaming giant Konami Group Corp has had its long-term credit rating upheld at ‘A’ with a ‘stable’ outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd (JCR), as the company continues to post solid financial results across multiple business segments.
In a report published on 17 April 2025, the credit rating agency emphasised Konami’s position as a leading player across its core industries — digital entertainment, gaming and systems, sports, and the Japan-focused pachinko market. The agency stated that the group’s strong internal cohesion and diversified revenue streams have contributed to the positive rating outlook.
High cash inflows anticipated
“The company’s performance is strong, centred on its mainstay digital entertainment business,” in its report. It also noted that Konami’s other segments — gaming and systems, sports, and amusement — have all regained their Pre-COVID-19 earnings strength.
JCR further commented that it expects Konami Group to continue generating high levels of cash flow and affirmed that there are no changes to the company’s strong financial base. The agency added that the group is on track to post a record-high operating profit for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, reflecting the healthy state of business operations.
In its financial results for the nine months to 31 December 2024, Konami reported group-wide revenue of JPY 310.83 billion (€2.04 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 22.8 percent. Within its gaming and systems division, which includes casino-related equipment, revenue reached JPY 30.44 billion (€199 million), up 2.8 percent compared to the same period the year before.
Revenue forecast up on credit boost
Following these strong results, Konami has revised its full-year revenue forecast to JPY 412 billion (€2.71 billion), up from its previous projection of JPY 380 billion. The company also revised its expected operating profit to JPY 100 billion (€657 million) and its net profit forecast to JPY 70 billion (€460 million), marking a 17.6 percent increase from its earlier estimate.
Konami Group’s gaming operations outside Japan are conducted through subsidiaries such as Konami Australia Pty Ltd and Konami Gaming Inc., which is based in the United States. These units are primarily responsible for the firm’s casino equipment and systems. The group’s domestic market focus also includes pachinko machines and digital entertainment, such as popular video games and mobile app titles.
The latest assessment by JCR affirms Konami’s robust position in the global gaming and entertainment sector, backed by strong financials, growing revenues, and a positive outlook for continued profitability.
