Why We Have High Hopes for Com2uS Once Again

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Com2uS is expected to break away from its sluggish performance and achieve a turnaround in results.

According to the financial investment industry on the 11th, Com2uS recorded consolidated sales of 134.8 billion KRW and operating profit of 24.8 billion KRW in the fourth quarter of last year. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 11%, but operating profit decreased by 23%.

While the fourth-quarter sales met market expectations, the operating profit was considered disappointing by the securities industry. Yoon Eul-jung, a researcher at Shin Young Securities, said, "In the fourth quarter, we demonstrated sales growth by holding the SWC (Summoners War World Championship) event and simultaneously conducting the Summoners War global promotion," adding, "The cause of the decline in profitability is judged to be due to increased personnel from incentive payments and subsidiaries, as well as aggressive marketing expenses."

However, performance improvement is expected this year with new releases. According to FnGuide, the consensus forecast by securities firms for Com2uS's performance this year is sales of 670.3 billion KRW and operating profit of 177.7 billion KRW, representing increases of 31.72% and 57.43%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

In particular, the role of Summoners War: Hundred Years' War is expected to be important in improving performance. Summoners War: Hundred Years' War is currently accepting pre-registrations. It is scheduled to be released worldwide on April 29. Lee Min-ah, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said, "The new title Summoners War: Hundred Years' War is currently recruiting pre-registrations, and as of the 8th, the number of registrants has exceeded 2 million, indicating smooth progress," adding, "Currently, the success of Hundred Years' War is the most important factor. The positive pre-registration numbers and the fact that it is the first mobile game utilizing the Summoners War IP suggest that a certain level of success can be expected."

Along with this, the securities industry also expects various game releases. Lee Moon-jong, a researcher at Shinhan Financial Investment, emphasized, "Preparations are well underway even after Hundred Years' War. Another new title using the Summoners War IP, Summoners War: Chronicle, aims for a fourth-quarter release after a third-quarter CBT this year," adding, "In addition, the acquisition of PC game developers such as OOTP and OLM, pursuing IP acquisition and platform diversification strategies, is positive."