Executive Summary
Overview: Freedom Holding Corp posted a standout top-line beat for QQ1 2025, with revenue of $434.5 million, up 115% year over year, and continued strong cash generation. Despite the revenue expansion, net income declined sharply versus the prior year period due to elevated interest expense and a sizable negative impact from other income/expenses, which together weighed on profitability. On the positive side, operating cash flow was exceptionally robust, underscoring a highly liquid, asset-light and capital markets–driven business model that can support growth and potential capital deployment.
Key takeaways: (1) Liquidity and cash generation are a clear strength. Net cash provided by operating activities was $854.1 million and free cash flow was about $829.9 million, with total cash and short-term investments of $4.38 billion at quarter end. (2) The balance sheet remains resilient but levered, with total debt of $2.86 billion and a debt-to-capitalization profile that implies meaningful financial leverage. Interest expense was $145.7 million and total other income/expenses net was negative $137.6 million in the quarter, explaining part of the earnings softness in the quarter. (3) The revenue mix and deferred revenue dynamics suggest ongoing demand for capital markets and brokerage services, but profitability hinges on managing non-operating items and financing costs. Investors should monitor operating leverage, net interest income trends, forex impacts, and the trajectory of deferred revenue.
Overall stance: Favor cautious optimism. FRHC exhibits substantial liquidity and cash-generating strength that can underpin growth initiatives and potential strategic moves. The shares appear richly valued on traditional multiples relative to some peers, reflecting growth expectations and the company’s multi-market reach. A sustained improvement in profitability, prudent cost control, and stabilization of non-operating items would be key catalysts for a more constructive investment thesis.
Key Performance Indicators
Revenue
434.48M
QoQ: -11.31% | YoY:115.23%
Gross Profit
302.87M
69.71% margin
QoQ: -8.57% | YoY:50.04%
Operating Income
179.23M
QoQ: -14.00% | YoY:1.33%
Net Income
34.40M
QoQ: -63.87% | YoY:-49.49%
EPS
0.58
QoQ: -63.29% | YoY:-50.00%
Revenue Trend
Margin Analysis
Key Insights
- EBITDA: $183.38 million; EBITDA margin: 42.21%.
- Interest expense: $145.72 million.
- Total other income/expenses net: −$137.63 million.
- Net income CAGR: YoY −49.49%; QoQ −63.87%; EPS YoY −50%; EPS QoQ −63.29%.
- Net cash provided by operating activities: $854.07 million.