Nintendo Co. is widely expected to be added to the Nikkei 225 Stock Average in the next review of the blue chip gauge, ending years of waiting for the Japanese maker of hit games, from Mario to Pokemon.
The stock has been excluded so far due to concerns over the potential impact on the average of Nintendo’s large share price, which is currently over ¥52,000 ($474). Changes announced by Nikkei Inc. in July that allow for the adjustment of high-priced stocks added to the price-weighted measure are seen as paving the way for Nintendo’s inclusion.
Analysts at some of Japan’s largest brokerages, including SMBC Nikko Securities Inc., Daiwa Securities Group Inc. and Mizuho Securities Co., now count the game company as a top candidate to be included in the gauge’s autumn reshuffle, the results of which are expected in September.