Bandai Namco's merch engine powers record quarter

Published: 2026-08-11T14:36:40.381Z

Bandai Namco's first-quarter results show physical merchandise, not digital, is driving growth, while HIDIVE's exclusive output deal with MBS signals a strategic bet on a steady pipeline for smaller s

Bandai Namco's merch engine is on fire. Bandai Namco's first quarter blew past expectations: net sales hit 328.4 billion yen, up 28% year over year, and operating profit rose 17.3% to 69.2 billion yen. The engine is Toys & Hobby, which jump Source: https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/files/ir/financialstatements/pdf/en_20260806_Presentation.pdf
HIDIVE bets its next phase on MBS's slate. HIDIVE just locked down an exclusive output deal with Mainichi Broadcasting System, covering a multi-year slate of anime. That's a long-term bet on a specific pipeline, not a one-off pickup. For a sma Source: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2026-08-10/mc-global-media-hidive-mainichi-broadcasting-system-extend-partnership-into-next-phase-with-/.240453
‘RWBY’ Film And TV Projects In Development At Gotham Group, Viz Media Viz Media is teaming with The Gotham Group to develop film and TV projects from its Viz Originals library and RWBY. No productions, formats, or dates yet, just the deal. Viz acquired RWBY from Warner Source: https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/rwby-film-and-tv-projects-in-development-at-gotham-group-viz-media-265338.html

From AnimeSignal, the anime business intelligence brief.