Financial Results: Weathernews Inc (4825)

Company Name and Business Overview

Company Name: Weathernews Inc.

Business Overview: Weathernews Inc. provides weather information services, catering to both corporate and individual clients. For corporate clients, the company offers services across land, sea, and air transportation and infrastructure sectors. For individual clients, weather information is delivered through apps and various media platforms. The main business segments include Mobile Internet Weather Services, Maritime Weather Services, Aviation Weather Services, Land Weather Services, Environmental Weather Services, and other B2B services.

Overall Summary of Business Performance

For the fiscal year ending May 2024, Weathernews Inc. reported:

  • Revenue: ¥22,242 million (an increase of 5.3% year-over-year)
  • Operating Income: ¥3,270 million (an increase of 0.4% year-over-year)
  • Ordinary Income: ¥3,341 million (an increase of 1.7% year-over-year)
  • Net Income Attributable to Owners of Parent: ¥2,437 million (an increase of 1.7% year-over-year)

This growth is driven by an increase in subscription service revenue and advertising revenue from the Mobile Internet Weather business, as well as stable performance in the Maritime Weather business.

Detailed Business Analysis

Financial Situation

  • Total Assets: ¥23,058 million (an increase of ¥2,078 million from the previous fiscal year)
  • Net Assets: ¥19,788 million (an increase of ¥1,388 million from the previous fiscal year)
  • Equity Ratio: 85.4% (a decrease of 1.9 percentage points from the previous fiscal year)

Earnings Forecast

  • Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending May 2025:
    • Revenue: ¥23,500 million (an increase of 5.7% year-over-year)
    • Operating Income: ¥3,800 million (an increase of 16.2% year-over-year)
    • Ordinary Income: ¥3,800 million (an increase of 13.7% year-over-year)
    • Net Income Attributable to Owners of Parent: ¥2,700 million (an increase of 10.8% year-over-year)
    • Earnings per Share: ¥244.24

Risk Factors

  1. Market Environment Uncertainty: The impact of climate change, geopolitical risks, and global economic uncertainties can affect business performance.
  2. Intensifying Competition: Increased competition in the weather information service market may pressure profitability.
  3. Rising Costs: Increasing labor and communication costs can put pressure on business operations.

Strategic Perspectives

  1. Shift to SaaS Business Model: Emphasis on shifting to a SaaS (Software as a Service) business model, which generates continuous revenue, and expanding the customer base.
  2. Investment in Human Resources: Strengthening overseas sales and investing in human resources for the development of SaaS products.
  3. Investment in Weather Data Acquisition: Enhancing the acquisition of global weather data to improve the quality of services provided.

In conclusion, Weathernews Inc. maintains steady business performance and aims for further growth through strategic initiatives. However, managing risks associated with market environment changes remains critical.