Core Insights - Freedom Holding Corp. reported a 23% increase in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, reaching $2.05 billion, up from $1.67 billion the previous year, indicating strong operational performance and customer growth across all sectors [2][8] - The company is transitioning towards a unified digital ecosystem that integrates various financial services, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency [3][9] Financial Performance - Total assets increased to $9.9 billion, reflecting robust growth in the company's financial operations [2] - The insurance segment saw a significant increase in underwriting income, up 134% to $617.6 million, driven by high demand for pension and accident insurance products [4] - The brokerage division generated $717.3 million in revenue, while the banking segment posted $506.1 million [4] - Fee and commission income rose by 15% to $505.0 million, with brokerage services income increasing by 29% to $430.1 million [8] - Interest income increased to $864.5 million, a 4% rise, supported by margin lending and an expanded loan portfolio [8] Customer Growth - The number of brokerage accounts reached 683,000, a 29% year-on-year increase, while active accounts surged by 57% to over 151,000 [8] - The number of bank clients more than doubled to 2.5 million, and insurance customers reached 1.17 million, reflecting rising demand for integrated financial services [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is investing significantly in developing its digital ecosystem, including the launch of Freedom Telecom and new media projects [5][6] - The focus remains on scaling technology, expanding geographically, and enhancing customer experience through artificial intelligence and product personalization [9] Market Position - Freedom Holding Corp. has a market capitalization exceeding $8 billion as of March 31, 2025, and operates in 22 countries [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings per diluted share were $0.79, up 52%, and $0.74, up 42%, excluding significant items [5][25] - Book value per diluted share, excluding AOCI, was $37.03, up 6% [7] - Operating return on equity excluding significant items was 11.9% on a trailing twelve-month basis [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer division saw annuity collected premiums up 12%, account values up 7%, and premium per policy up 19% [10] - Health NAP was up 9%, with Medicare Supplement NAP up 24% and Medicare Advantage policies up 42% [13][14] - Worksite insurance sales were up 11%, with critical illness insurance up 37% and life insurance up 17% [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New money rates exceeded 6% for nine consecutive quarters, with a new money rate of 6.43% [6][28] - Total investment income was up 16% for the quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its business model for sustained profitable growth and drive ROE expansion [8][32] - Focus on reaching the underserved middle-income market through a combination of virtual connections and local agents [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged deteriorating visibility into macroeconomic drivers but expressed confidence in navigating volatility [7][34] - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, despite acknowledging increased risks due to market volatility [31][32] Other Important Information - The company returned $117 million to shareholders, maintaining strong capital and liquidity levels [6] - A new product, Optimize Clear, was introduced to enhance service offerings [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: On buybacks and macro environment - Management indicated a willingness to continue share buybacks, with $100 million deployed in the first quarter [37] Question: Fee revenue and GAAP accounting - Management explained the impact of ASC 606 on revenue recognition, noting potential future reversals [40][41] Question: Outlook for direct-to-consumer life sales - Management expressed optimism for a bounce back in sales, while acknowledging shifts in advertising strategies [58] Question: Medicare business and potential shifts - Management noted strong growth in Medicare Advantage policies and indicated a potential shift back to Medicare Supplement could be beneficial [72][74] Question: Geographic expansion in worksite - Management confirmed ongoing geographic expansion efforts and expected continued growth from new regions [82]

Principal Financial Group (PFG) Conference February 10, 2025 11:20 AM ET Company Participants Amy Friedrich - President of Benefits & Protection Conference Call Participants Michael Ward - Vice President & Senior Analyst - US Insurance Michael Ward All right. Well, thank you all in the room and everyone online for joining us. Very excited to have Amy Frederick here from Principal. She is President of Benefits and Protection. Amy, I know you have some prepared remarks, but I thought it was actually helpful i ...