Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Shifara Samsudeen, ACMA, CGMA

A chartered management accountant with more than 10 years of rich experience in investment research and financial analysis. Worked as an equity analyst for one of the world's largest asset managers with USD2.5trn in AUM covering numerous sectors including chemicals, retail, tech, autos, telco, real-estate and banks, globally. Experienced in fundamental equity research, industry research, commodity studies, forensic accounting, and due diligence reviews.

Equity Analyst

Recruit: Share Price Continues to Fall with Labor Markets Further Slow Down

Nihon M&A: Earnings Show Some Recovery; but Could Miss Full-Year OP Guidance

Recruit 2Q: Earnings Further Slows Down; 2H To Be Even More Challenging

Money Forward: Non-BO Margin on a Decline and Upcoming Fee Revision to Have Negative Impact

Freee: Earnings in Line With Guidance; Medium-Term Plan Seems Attainable

Money Forward: Lower S&M Spending in 1Q Drives Losses Down

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/money-forward-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25919:1" rel="noopener">Money Forward (3994 JP)</a> reported 3QFY11/2023 results on Friday. 3Q revenue fell below consensus despite increasing 37.4% YoY while reported operating losses were slightly below consensus estimated operating losses.</li>
<li>MF also has provided more details on its ¥12bn convertible bond issuance in August to secure funds to further grow its SaaS and fintech businesses.</li>
<li>This is concerning given the huge debt in the company’s balance sheet and it seems that the company may not be able to make profits in the near-term.</li>
</ul>



Money Forward (3994 JP) reported 3QFY11/2023 results on Friday. 3Q revenue fell below consensus despite increasing 37.4% YoY while reported operating losses were slightly below consensus estimated operating losses.
MF also has provided more details on its ¥12bn convertible bond issuance in August to secure funds to further grow its SaaS and fintech businesses.
This is concerning given the huge debt in the company’s balance sheet and it seems that the company may not be able to make profits in the near-term.


Money Forward: Weakening Top Line Growth and Huge Convertible Bond Issuance to Support Growth