[EQUITIES] ‘Netmarble’s earnings to drop in Q3’
[THE INVESTOR] Netmarble’s earnings in the third quarter will decline significantly from the same period last year, said IBK Investment and Securities on Sept. 18, lowering the target price to 148,000 won (US$131.40) from 170,000 won.
Its revenue in the period will fall 13.2 percent on-year to 504.9 billion won, and operating profit by 44.1 percent to 62.5 billion won. The delayed launch of “Blade and Soul: Revolution” and shrinking game market in China have hurt investor sentiments. As its revenue from “Lineage 2: Revolution” has slowed down, the outlook of tackling the Chinese market is unclear, lowering earnings expectations, said analyst Lee Seung-hun.
However, there is a possibility of a hit game in the fourth quarter. The global release of “Phantom Gate” will highlight momentum from new games, and as it plans to unveil “Blade and Soul: Revolution” and “BTS World” later this year, its earnings are likely to improve, he said maintaining a “buy” recommendation.
By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)