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NEXON Co Ltd (JP:3659)
:3659

NEXON Co (3659) AI Stock Analysis

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JP:3659

NEXON Co

(3659)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
¥4,817.00
▲(12.52% Upside)
NEXON Co's stock is supported by strong financial performance and bullish technical indicators. However, the high P/E ratio suggests potential overvaluation, which slightly tempers the overall score.
Positive Factors
Conservative Leverage
Extremely low leverage gives Nexon durable financial flexibility to fund game development, live-ops, and M&A without stressing cash flows. Conservative capital structure reduces bankruptcy risk and supports stable investment and shareholder actions over the next several quarters.
Robust Cash Generation
Strong cash conversion and near-par free cash flow to net income indicate the business reliably turns earnings into spendable cash. That funds content pipelines and user acquisition without heavy external financing, underpinning sustainable operations and strategic optionality.
High Profitability Margins
Elevated gross and net margins reflect the scalable, digital-heavy free-to-play model with low incremental costs. Persistent margin headroom supports continued reinvestment in live services, R&D and marketing, creating a durable advantage versus higher-cost competitors.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue Growth
Negative top-line growth signals product maturity or competitive pressure that can erode long-term upside. Sustained revenue decline reduces capital available for content and user acquisition, making it harder to maintain engagement and monetize large player bases over months.
Margin Compression Trend
A falling net margin, even from a high base, suggests rising content, marketing or platform costs. Continued compression would weaken reinvestment capacity and limit earnings resilience, reducing the company's ability to sustain growth investments and shareholder returns.
Regional Revenue Concentration
Heavy exposure to Japan and China concentrates regulatory, competitive and monetization risk regionally. Adverse policy shifts or stronger local competitors in these markets could materially affect revenue and user monetization over the medium term without faster geographic diversification.

NEXON Co (3659) vs. iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)

NEXON Co Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNEXON Co., Ltd. produces, develops, and services PC online and mobile games. It operates through five segments: Japan, Korea, China, North America, and Others. The company's PC online game titles include MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter, and EA SPORTS FIFA ONLINE 4. It offers approximately 60 online games in 190 countries. The company was formerly known as NEXON Japan Co., Ltd. and changed its name to NEXON Co., Ltd. in April 2009. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
How the Company Makes MoneyNEXON generates revenue primarily through in-game purchases and microtransactions, where players can buy virtual goods and enhancements within their games. The company employs a free-to-play model, allowing users to access games without an upfront cost, while monetizing through optional purchases. Additionally, NEXON earns revenue from subscription models and advertising revenue associated with its games. Strategic partnerships with other gaming companies and collaborations for co-development of new titles further enhance its revenue streams. The company also benefits from a strong presence in the Asian market, particularly in Japan and China, where its games have a substantial player base, contributing significantly to its earnings.

NEXON Co Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 13, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 12, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
NEXON demonstrated strong performance in key franchises and successful new title launches, with significant growth in Dungeon&Fighter PC and MapleStory. However, the earnings were negatively impacted by FX losses and challenges in sustaining player engagement, particularly in Dungeon&Fighter Mobile.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Performance in Key Franchises
Dungeon&Fighter PC saw a 67% YoY revenue growth, while MapleStory achieved 60% YoY revenue growth. In Korea, quarterly revenue for these titles set new records with MAUs and PUs nearly doubling, resulting in 132% YoY revenue growth.
Successful Launch of New Titles
MABINOGI MOBILE exceeded expectations with strong MAUs, PUs, and ARPPU. Additionally, ARC Raiders, set for release on October 30, is currently the sixth most wish-listed game on Steam.
Strong Revenue and Operating Income Performance
Q2 revenue reached JPY118.9 billion, 8% above the high end of guidance, while operating income was JPY37.7 billion, 21% above guidance.
Shareholder Return Initiatives
Under a JPY100 billion buy-back policy, JPY50 billion worth of shares were repurchased by June, with further repurchases planned.
Negative Updates
Negative Impact of Foreign Exchange
Net income was below expectations at JPY16.8 billion due to a JPY17.5 billion FX loss on US dollar-denominated cash deposits, resulting in a 58% YoY decline.
Decline in Key Franchises
Despite some strong performances, the collective revenue for the three major franchises declined 13% YoY, with Dungeon&Fighter franchise revenue down 40% YoY.
Challenges in Sustaining Player Engagement
While there was strong initial success with the May anniversary update for Dungeon&Fighter Mobile, it was less effective at sustaining returning players than anticipated.
Company Guidance
During NEXON's 2025 Q2 earnings call, the company reported a robust performance, exceeding expectations in revenue and operating income, despite facing FX headwinds. Key highlights included a 60% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth in the MapleStory franchise, driven by strong performance in Korea and expansion into new regions, alongside a 67% YoY revenue growth in Dungeon&Fighter PC. NEXON achieved Q2 revenues of JPY 118.9 billion and operating income of JPY 37.7 billion, surpassing guidance by 8% and 21%, respectively. While net income fell short at JPY 16.8 billion due to a JPY 17.5 billion FX loss, the company saw a 132% YoY revenue increase in Korea and double-digit growth in China due to successful content updates. Looking ahead, NEXON anticipates strong performances in Q3 from its flagship titles, despite an expected YoY revenue decline of 6% to 14% on an as-reported basis. The upcoming release of ARC Raiders on October 30 and the expansion of the MABINOGI MOBILE franchise are expected to support future growth.

NEXON Co Financial Statement Overview

Summary
NEXON Co demonstrates solid financial health with strong profitability margins and a stable balance sheet. Despite a decline in revenue growth, the company maintains efficient operations and robust cash flow generation, positioning it well for future opportunities.
Income Statement
75
Positive
NEXON Co's income statement shows a strong gross profit margin of 62.83% for TTM, indicating efficient cost management. However, the revenue growth rate has declined by 3.77% in the TTM, which is a concern. The net profit margin remains healthy at 22.78%, though it has decreased from the previous year. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust, reflecting solid operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
80
Positive
The balance sheet is strong with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.037, suggesting conservative leverage. The return on equity is decent at 10.09%, indicating effective use of equity. The equity ratio is healthy, showing a stable financial structure with significant equity backing the assets.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a positive free cash flow growth rate of 3.37% in the TTM, indicating good cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.46, showing strong cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio is high at 0.97, reflecting efficient cash utilization.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue431.23B446.21B423.36B353.71B274.46B293.02B
Gross Profit264.97B281.37B285.42B247.94B202.34B224.01B
EBITDA210.78B134.32B139.45B158.30B145.29B117.01B
Net Income113.22B134.85B70.61B100.34B114.89B56.22B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.30T1.26T1.10T1.04T986.63B862.16B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments711.38B600.87B596.76B571.86B534.93B525.70B
Total Debt38.88B40.00B29.72B23.32B15.33B16.59B
Total Liabilities238.35B226.25B191.53B175.30B140.74B141.72B
Stockholders Equity1.05T1.02T896.27B858.19B836.67B709.88B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow155.65B97.33B123.00B124.24B104.33B134.37B
Operating Cash Flow161.18B100.97B128.71B130.14B105.91B137.60B
Investing Cash Flow174.52B7.45B-188.37B-10.92B18.08B-140.23B
Financing Cash Flow-110.48B-64.78B-78.55B-105.86B-21.05B-2.63B

NEXON Co Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price4281.00
Price Trends
50DMA
3886.50
Positive
100DMA
3575.78
Positive
200DMA
3120.24
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
137.98
Negative
RSI
68.15
Neutral
STOCH
60.64
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For JP:3659, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 4281 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4115.85, above the 50-day MA of 3886.50, and above the 200-day MA of 3120.24, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 137.98 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 68.15 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 60.64 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for JP:3659.

NEXON Co Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
¥3.46T30.6610.76%0.78%-4.40%89.91%
76
Outperform
¥580.89B15.382.49%-1.05%6.49%
70
Neutral
¥2.83T33.4317.57%0.84%18.39%23.33%
69
Neutral
¥1.49T23.1426.66%1.17%45.17%81.91%
68
Neutral
¥500.30B28.984.45%2.12%-8.73%-55.81%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
57
Neutral
¥993.58B43.226.70%1.80%-12.02%126.06%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
JP:3659
NEXON Co
4,281.00
2,251.62
110.95%
JP:9766
KONAMI HOLDINGS
20,910.00
6,698.63
47.14%
JP:9697
Capcom Co
3,555.00
158.55
4.67%
JP:6460
Sega Sammy Holdings
2,379.50
-506.12
-17.54%
JP:9684
Square Enix Holdings Co
2,725.00
628.03
29.95%
JP:3635
Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.
1,737.00
-138.76
-7.40%

NEXON Co Corporate Events

Nexon Completes ¥25 Billion Share Buyback Program
Jan 27, 2026

Nexon has completed a share buyback program authorized under Japan’s Companies Act, repurchasing a total of 6,440,100 ordinary shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for approximately JPY 24.99 billion during the period from November 12, 2025 to January 26, 2026. Within the most recent phase, from January 1 to January 28, 2026, the company acquired 2,234,300 shares for about JPY 9.31 billion and has now formally ended the program, a move that effectively returns capital to shareholders and may support earnings per share and shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen5000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

Nexon Announces Shift in Major Shareholder as Saudi Stake Moves to Ayar First Investment
Jan 13, 2026

NEXON Co., Ltd. has disclosed a change in its major shareholders as of December 26, 2025, following the filing of an amended large-shareholding report with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. Ayar First Investment Company, an investment firm based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has newly become a major shareholder with 11.17% of Nexon’s voting rights, corresponding to 88,548,900 shares. At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which previously held the same 11.17% stake, has ceased to be a major shareholder, indicating an internal reallocation of ownership within Saudi-linked investment entities rather than an exit of capital from Nexon. The company notes that the figures are based on the shareholder report and states there are no specific disclosures regarding any impact on its future outlook, suggesting limited immediate operational implications but a noteworthy shift in its shareholder structure for investors to monitor.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen4350.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

Nexon Advances Share Buyback, Repurchasing Over 4.2 Million Shares by Year-End 2025
Jan 5, 2026

Nexon has reported progress on its ongoing share buyback program, disclosing that it repurchased 2,551,500 ordinary shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between December 1 and December 31, 2025, for a total consideration of approximately JPY 9.64 billion. Under a board authorization dated November 11, 2025, the company is permitted to buy back up to 10 million shares for as much as JPY 25 billion through January 26, 2026, and as of December 31, 2025 it has cumulatively acquired 4,205,800 shares for about JPY 15.69 billion, signaling an ongoing capital return to shareholders and potentially supporting its share price and capital efficiency metrics.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen4350.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

NEXON Co. Updates on Share Buyback Progress
Dec 1, 2025

NEXON Co., Ltd. announced the status of its share buyback program, acquiring 1,654,300 ordinary shares for JPY 6,045,852,900 between November 12 and November 30, 2025. This buyback is part of a broader initiative authorized by the board to acquire up to 10 million shares, reflecting the company’s strategic efforts to enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen3734.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

NEXON Co., Ltd. Announces Share Buyback Program to Enhance Capital Efficiency
Nov 11, 2025

NEXON Co., Ltd. has announced a share buyback program approved by its Board of Directors, aiming to enhance capital efficiency and implement a flexible capital management policy. The program involves acquiring up to 10 million ordinary shares, representing 1.3% of the total shares outstanding, with a maximum acquisition cost of JPY 25 billion, to be executed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange from November 12, 2025, to January 26, 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen3734.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

NEXON Co., Ltd. Announces Mixed Financial Outlook for 2025
Nov 11, 2025

NEXON Co., Ltd. announced its full-year consolidated and standalone financial outlook for 2025, indicating a mixed financial performance. While the company expects a slight increase in revenue and operating profit, it anticipates a decrease in profit before tax and profit attributable to owners due to expected foreign exchange losses. For standalone results, a decline in revenue is expected due to the termination of a service, but ordinary and net income are projected to rise significantly, driven by dividends from subsidiaries.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen3734.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

NEXON Co. Announces Financial Results and Dividend Increase
Nov 11, 2025

NEXON Co. reported its consolidated financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, showing a decline in revenue and profit compared to the previous year. Despite the decrease, the company revised its dividend forecast for FY 2025, indicating an increase in year-end dividends, which may positively impact investor sentiment.

The most recent analyst rating on (JP:3659) stock is a Buy with a Yen3734.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on NEXON Co stock, see the JP:3659 Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 11, 2025