Celsys Posts Record-Breaking Q3 Results with Stock Buyback Plan

Celsys Reports Impressive Q3 Results with Growth and Buyback Plans

Celsys has made a remarkable announcement on November 14, detailing their financial performance for the third quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2025. The company has surpassed its previous records in sales, operating income, and annual recurring revenue (ARR), marking a significant achievement for the organization. Moreover, in response to these recent financial trends, Celsys has revised its full-year forecasts, enhancing its projections for sales, operating income, and ordinary profits. To further reward its shareholders, Celsys has also initiated a stock buyback program amounting to 1 billion yen, set to commence in November 2025.

Highlights of Q3 FY2025 Performance

In the third quarter, Celsys reported total sales of 6.98 billion yen, a substantial increase of 15.9% compared to the previous year. Operating income rose to 2.23 billion yen, reflecting a remarkable growth of 39.0% year-on-year. The ARR reached 5.1 billion yen, up by 25.3% from the previous year. This significant improvement in operating income demonstrates the company's successful growth trajectory, having exceeded the total operating income of the prior fiscal year during this quarter alone.

Revised Full-Year Forecasts

Given the positive performance dynamics, Celsys has updated its forecasts for the entire fiscal year of 2025. The company has modified its projections upward for sales, operating income, and ordinary profits, keeping in mind the target of achieving a Return on Equity (ROE) of 30%, as established in its mid-term management plan. To support this objective, the company plans to implement the stock buyback strategy starting in November 2025.

Stock Buyback Strategy

In line with its goal of reaching a ROE of 30%, Celsys plans to carry out a stock buyback initiative totaling approximately 1 billion yen. This strategic move aims to enhance capital efficiency and reinforce a responsive capital policy tailored to the prevailing economic environment, providing increased returns to its shareholders.

Initiatives for Management Innovation

Celsys is dedicated to sustainable growth by enhancing its corporate governance and advancing management innovations with a shareholder perspective. The company will eliminate retirement allowances for executive officers and is planning to recognize the contributions of the founders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to their retirement. Additionally, Celsys emphasizes the importance of fostering the next generation of talent and promoting strategic shifts for future leadership within the organization.

Strengthening Global Outreach for CLIP STUDIO PAINT

As part of its growth strategy, Celsys aims to bolster the international reach of its flagship product, CLIP STUDIO PAINT. The company continuously engages in digital marketing initiatives and sponsorship of real-world events to increase user acquisition globally. In particular, efforts are being heightened in emerging markets to attract new users this fiscal year. Celsys remains committed to expanding its global presence and adapting to the growing creator economy.

Positive Trends in the Entertainment Sector

The proliferation of video streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Crunchyroll has favored the penetration of Japanese entertainment content globally, driving the entertainment industry’s continuous growth. In this context, the increase in users engaging with content is expected to inspire potential creators, leading to more individuals entering the creator landscape. Celsys anticipates that its painting application, CLIP STUDIO PAINT, will thrive within the expanding subscription model, achieving an ARR of 5.1 billion yen.

Development of New Services in the Creator Platform Field

Within the overall creator economy market, Celsys is proactively developing services that cater to the entire sector. The R&D for new services began in July 2025, focusing on creating supportive platforms for creators and enhancing their activities. The flagship service, CLIP STUDIO PAINT, boasts three significant strengths: specialization, customer orientation, and advantageous scale.

Celsys continues to aim for growth through its commitment to support creators and their journeys, providing tools and new service platforms tailored for digital content creation. By enhancing the creator journey, Celsys aspires to create a colorful world connected through individual passions and creativity. For more information on Celsys, visit their corporate website and resources: