ANIPLUS reported a consolidated revenue of 57.9 billion won and an operating profit of 8.3 billion won for the first half of this year, marking decreases of 3.4% and 37.4%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, according to a public announcement on the 14th. However, the company continued its streak of profit for 12 consecutive quarters.
On a separate basis, revenue increased by 24% and operating profit grew by 48% compared to the same period last year, indicating a growth trend. The company noted that the improvement in separate performance was driven by the expansion of its own content and IP business.
The decline in consolidated performance was significantly impacted by the base effect resulting from the re-contracting of the 'Demon Slayer' series with major OTT (over-the-top) platforms last year and the underperformance of its subsidiary, ANIMAX Broadcasting Korea. Additionally, investments in the Southeast Asia OTT and exhibition business by Raphtel and Media and Art, as well as expenses for the expansion of the large logistics center by LOON COMPANY C&C, were reflected, leading to reduced profitability.
In the second half of the year, the company aims for a performance rebound through the release of 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Train,' along with extensive IP business expansion. The project achieved the top ticket sales rate for two consecutive weeks after ticket sales began on Aug. 1, and is expected to continue its box office success through various channels including theaters, pop-up stores, merchandise, and OTT after its release on Aug. 22.
Media and Art experienced a 37% increase in revenue in the second quarter thanks to the box office success of the 'Warner Brunch Host' exhibition, and in the third quarter, the results of the 'Yoshigo Photo Exhibition 2' are expected to be added. LOON COMPANY C&C is operating official merchandise shops for PLAVE, including 'Vlast,' as well as Smilegate and Aladin merchandise shops, and is preparing to sign contracts for two major IPs in the third quarter.
ANIPLUS announced its first cash dividend of 70 won per share since its listing on the 12th, and has strengthened its shareholder return policies, including stock buybacks and the purchase and retirement of convertible bonds in the first half of the year. Most of the convertible bonds have been converted into common stock, and currently, the amount of unconverted bonds available in the market is less than 1 billion won.
Junsung-taek, CEO of ANIPLUS, said, 'Despite ongoing investments in global expansion across each institutional sector, maintaining profitability demonstrates the company's fundamentals,' adding that, 'In the second half of the year, we will maximize the performance of hit IPs and make visible progress in global business to achieve our management objectives.'