Namco Doubles Profit Guidance

Officials from Namco have indicated that the company expects its half-year net profit to be more than double its previous estimate, thanks to the success of Soulcalibur II and Japanese RPG Tales of Symphonia. Group net profits for the six months ended September 30 are now estimated at 3.2 billion yen ($29.1m), up 113% from the previous forecast. The company’s full year net profit forecast also rose as a result to 6.6 billion yen ($60.2m), from 5.8 billion yen ($52.9m). This change raises the possibility of a dividend increase by 5 to 10 yen for the year to March 2004.