High ProfitabilityExceptionally high gross margin and recent net margin improvement indicate a scalable, low-cost delivery model and durable pricing power. Such margins support reinvestment, cover SG&A, and provide a cushion against cost pressures, making profitability more sustainable over multiple quarters.

Strong Cash ConversionOperating cash flow and free cash flow materially exceed net income, showing high cash conversion quality and strengthening liquidity. Reliable FCF supports organic investment, working capital needs and reduces reliance on external financing, improving resilience across hiring cycles.

Conservative Capital StructureLow leverage and a solid equity base provide financial flexibility to fund growth or weather downturns. High ROE demonstrates effective use of capital, enabling the company to generate strong shareholder returns from a modest asset base while retaining capacity for strategic investments.

Bears Say

Historical Profit VolatilityThe company experienced losses and equity volatility in prior years, indicating earnings can swing materially. For a recruitment services provider exposed to cyclical hiring, past inconsistent profitability highlights execution risk and the possibility that recent margin gains may not be fully sustained absent continued scaling and diversification.

Limited Scale Vs. CompetitorsWith a relatively small employee base and operating in a competitive staffing sector, the company may face scale disadvantages versus larger platforms. Limited scale can restrict sales reach, product development speed and client diversification, making growth and margin expansion harder to sustain long-term.

Revenue Concentration / CyclicalityDependence on employer-paid recruitment fees ties revenue to corporate hiring budgets and macro cycles. This concentration increases exposure to downturns or shifts in client sourcing strategies; without broader product or market diversification, revenue and margins could be materially impacted in weaker labor markets.

4177 FAQ

What was i-plug, Inc.’s price range in the past 12 months?

i-plug, Inc. lowest stock price was ¥900.00 and its highest was ¥1850.00 in the past 12 months.

What is i-plug, Inc.’s market cap?

i-plug, Inc.’s market cap is ¥6.44B.

When is i-plug, Inc.’s upcoming earnings report date?

i-plug, Inc.’s upcoming earnings report date is May 20, 2026 which is in 93 days.

How were i-plug, Inc.’s earnings last quarter?

i-plug, Inc. released its earnings results on Feb 12, 2026. The company reported ¥80.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of N/A by ¥80.27.

Is i-plug, Inc. overvalued?

According to Wall Street analysts i-plug, Inc.’s price is currently Overvalued. Get more investment ideas with TipRanks Premium

Does i-plug, Inc. pay dividends?

i-plug, Inc. pays a Notavailable dividend of ¥54 which represents an annual dividend yield of N/A. See more information on i-plug, Inc. dividends here

What is i-plug, Inc.’s EPS estimate?

i-plug, Inc.’s EPS estimate for its next earnings report is not yet available.

How many shares outstanding does i-plug, Inc. have?

i-plug, Inc. has 3,984,102 shares outstanding.

What happened to i-plug, Inc.’s price movement after its last earnings report?

i-plug, Inc. reported an EPS of ¥80.27 in its last earnings report, beating expectations of N/A. Following the earnings report the stock price went up 0.595%.

Which hedge fund is a major shareholder of i-plug, Inc.?

Currently, no hedge funds are holding shares in JP:4177

What is the TipRanks Smart Score and how is it calculated?

Smart Score combines eight research factors - such as analyst recommendations, hedge fund trends, and technical indicators - to measure a stock’s outlook. These signals are unified into a single score that reflects bullish or bearish momentum. See detailed methodology

Company Description

i-plug, Inc.

i-plug,Inc. provides graduate direct recruiting services. The company offers OfferBox, a direct recruiting service specializing in new graduates that allows companies to send offers directly to students; PaceBox, a direct recruiting job site for job seekers; and eF-1G, an aptitude test used for human resource flow. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.