| Valuation method | Value, ¥ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 3130.83 | -23 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 2520.55 | -38 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 703.62 | -83 |
| Graham Formula | 1898.56 | -53 |
Weathernews Inc. (4825.T) is a leading global provider of weather intelligence services, headquartered in Chiba, Japan. Founded in 1986, the company specializes in delivering hyper-localized weather forecasting and data analytics for industries including maritime, aviation, broadcasting, environmental monitoring, mobile internet, and sports. Weathernews leverages proprietary AI-driven weather models and a vast network of sensors to provide real-time, high-accuracy forecasts tailored to client needs. Operating in Japan and internationally, the company serves a diverse clientele, from logistics firms optimizing routes to media companies enhancing weather broadcasts. As climate change increases demand for precise weather data, Weathernews is well-positioned in the growing $3B+ global weather services market. The company’s asset-light, subscription-based business model ensures recurring revenue streams while maintaining strong margins.
Weathernews presents an attractive niche investment opportunity with its specialized weather intelligence services and stable financials. The company boasts a strong balance sheet with ¥14.3B in cash, minimal debt (¥15M), and consistent profitability (¥2.44B net income in FY2024). Its low beta (0.25) suggests defensive characteristics, while the 3.2% dividend yield (¥70/share) adds income appeal. However, growth is modest (revenue ¥22.2B, +5% YoY est.), and the company faces competition from global weather data giants. Investors should weigh its leadership in Japan’s weather services market against potential capex needs for AI/tech upgrades and exposure to climate-related data demand cyclicality.
Weathernews holds a unique competitive position as one of the few pure-play weather intelligence firms with global reach. Its key advantage lies in proprietary technologies like the 'Nowcast' ultra-short-term prediction system and a crowdsourced weather data network with over 13,000 marine sensors. Unlike satellite-dependent competitors, Weathernews combines AI modeling with ground-truth data for superior accuracy in maritime/aviation sectors—critical for clients like shipping companies where route optimization saves millions. The company’s Japan focus (70% revenue) provides regional dominance but limits scale versus multinational rivals. While its B2B specialization avoids direct competition with consumer weather apps, it faces pressure from tech giants integrating basic weather APIs into enterprise platforms. Weathernews differentiates through industry-specific solutions (e.g., typhoon risk analysis for insurers), though R&D spending (just 8% of revenue) lags behind US peers. Its asset-light model allows 15%+ operating margins, but reliance on third-party data partnerships creates integration risks.