Nomura Expects Metal Gear Solid 5 in Fiscal 2014

Citing increasing earnings, Nomura Securities has raised its outlook on Konami from Neutral to Buy.

According to a report at Nihon Securities Journal, Nomura analysts expect Konami's operating earnings for fiscal 2013 (April 2012 through May 2013) to increase 24% to ¥52 billion.

For fiscal 2014, which spans April 2013 through May 2014, Nomura expects Konami to release Metal Gear Solid 5. It's unclear if the firm has any insider knowledge about MGS5's development, or if they're just listing fiscal 2014 as an obvious target for the game's release.

Nomura expects Konami's operating earnings to rise 15% to ¥60 billion in fiscal 2014.

Much of Nomura's positive outlook for Konami comes from strong social gaming performance. The firm notes that sales of Konami's traditional game software are lower than expected. However, Konami is working on focusing its software development, and this will show in fiscal 2013 and beyond.