Kakaku.com, Inc. (2371.T) Bundle
A Brief History of Kakaku.com, Inc.
Kakaku.com, Inc. was established in 1997 as an online price comparison service in Japan. It has evolved into one of the leading e-commerce platforms in the country, specializing in consumer electronics, appliances, and various other goods.
In 2000, Kakaku.com launched its website, which quickly gained popularity among Japanese consumers seeking to compare prices across various retailers. By 2002, the company expanded its offerings to include user reviews and product information, further enhancing the shopping experience.
In 2007, Kakaku.com became a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 2371. The initial public offering was priced at 1,650 JPY per share.
By 2010, Kakaku.com reported a significant increase in web traffic, with the website attracting over 8.5 million unique visitors monthly. This surge in popularity was complemented by strategic partnerships with various retailers that allowed users to access a wider range of products and deals.
| Year | Event | Unique Monthly Visitors (in millions) | Share Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Company Founded | N/A | N/A |
| 2000 | Website Launch | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | User Reviews and Product Info Added | N/A | N/A |
| 2007 | IPO on Tokyo Stock Exchange | N/A | 1,650 |
| 2010 | Reached 8.5 Million Unique Visitors | 8.5 | N/A |
In 2013, Kakaku.com introduced a mobile application that further streamlined the shopping experience. This was a strategic move in response to the growing trend of mobile commerce, which was rapidly gaining traction in Japan.
By 2015, the company reported annual revenues exceeding 5 billion JPY. The growth trajectory was supported by an expanding product catalog and enhanced user engagement features on their platform. Furthermore, the company invested in search engine optimization and digital advertising, which significantly increased its market visibility.
In 2021, Kakaku.com reported a net income of approximately 2.5 billion JPY, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to a surge in online shopping during the pandemic, as consumers shifted towards e-commerce for their purchasing needs. The company's robust performance was evident in its share price, which reached around 3,800 JPY in December 2021.
Throughout 2022, Kakaku.com continued to innovate by enhancing its user experience with artificial intelligence-driven recommendations and personalized shopping features. Their continuous investment in technology positioned them favorably in the competitive landscape of Japanese e-commerce.
As of September 2023, Kakaku.com has maintained its status as a key player in Japan's online retail market, with estimated annual revenues projected to reach 6.8 billion JPY. The platform now boasts over 12 million unique monthly visitors, reflecting its ongoing growth and sustained consumer interest.
Overall, Kakaku.com, Inc. has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the rapidly evolving e-commerce environment, leveraging technology and consumer trends to solidify its market position.
A Who Owns Kakaku.com, Inc.
Kakaku.com, Inc. is primarily recognized for its comparative price and product information services in Japan. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It operates a prominent website that allows consumers to compare prices and read reviews about various products, fostering informed purchasing decisions.
The ownership structure of Kakaku.com is predominantly composed of institutional investors and notable individual stakeholders. As of the latest available data in 2023, the shareholding breakdown is as follows:
| Shareholder | Ownership Percentage | Shares Owned |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. | 9.79% | 3,520,000 |
| Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. | 7.89% | 2,840,000 |
| The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. | 6.55% | 2,370,000 |
| RS Investments, Ltd. | 5.32% | 1,920,000 |
| Harvard Management Company | 4.95% | 1,790,000 |
| Other Institutional Investors | 29.70% | 10,730,000 |
| Individual Investors | 31.90% | 11,580,000 |
Kakaku.com was previously a subsidiary of the diversified IT conglomerate K.K. DeNA, which ended its ownership in 2009 when Kakaku.com became a publicly traded entity on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, listed under the ticker code 2371.
As of the end of fiscal year 2023, Kakaku.com reported revenues of approximately ¥17.2 billion (around USD 130 million), representing a year-on-year increase of 8.2%. The net income stood at ¥4.2 billion (about USD 32 million), a growth of 10.5% from the previous year. The earnings per share (EPS) for FY2023 was ¥145.
During the first half of fiscal year 2024, the company projected an operating income target of ¥2.5 billion (approximately USD 19 million), indicating a positive growth outlook supported by increased user engagement on their platforms.
In terms of stock performance, Kakaku.com shares have shown resilience amidst market fluctuations. The stock price was recorded at ¥1,000 at the end of the trading day on October 23, 2023, with a market capitalization of around ¥88 billion (approximately USD 660 million).
Kakaku.com, Inc. plays a crucial role in Japan's e-commerce space, continually adapting to consumer behaviors and technological advancements to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Kakaku.com, Inc. Mission Statement
Kakaku.com, Inc. is a prominent Japanese company that operates a price comparison website and provides various online services, primarily in the e-commerce sector. The company's mission is to offer comprehensive price information to users, facilitating informed purchasing decisions. This mission aligns with its business model, which emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and reliability in price comparison.
As of the fiscal year ending March 2023, Kakaku.com reported a revenue of ¥14.1 billion, reflecting a growth of 5% compared to the prior year. This increase showcases the company's commitment to enhancing its platform and user experience. The company's efforts are also evident in its user engagement metrics, with an average monthly user count exceeding 20 million.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (in ¥ billion) | Net Income (in ¥ billion) | Operating Margin | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14.1 | 3.0 | 21.3% | 5% |
| 2022 | 13.4 | 2.8 | 20.9% | 4% |
| 2021 | 12.9 | 2.5 | 19.4% | 6% |
Kakaku.com has developed a robust ecosystem surrounding its core mission statement. The company operates various services, including Kakaku.com, which allows consumers to compare prices for various products. The platform's user satisfaction ratings consistently hover around 90%, indicating a high level of trust and reliance on its offerings.
In addition to price comparison, Kakaku.com's mission includes delivering comprehensive product reviews and user-generated content that enhance purchasing decisions. The site features over 1.5 million products across diverse categories, such as electronics, home appliances, and personal services.
Furthermore, the company has made significant investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve its algorithms for personalized recommendations, which should drive engagement and increase the average transaction value, currently estimated at around ¥12,000 per order.
Kakaku.com’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability also plays a role in its mission. The company actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting responsible consumption and reducing waste, aligning with consumer trends that favor environmentally-friendly practices.
Recent market analyses estimate that the online price comparison market in Japan is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2028. Kakaku.com, being a market leader in this space, is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growth.
Overall, Kakaku.com, Inc. continues to uphold its mission statement by providing valuable price comparison services while maintaining a strong focus on user experience and community engagement, driving both customer loyalty and financial performance in a competitive market landscape.
How Kakaku.com, Inc. Works
Kakaku.com, Inc. operates as a leading price comparison platform in Japan, primarily focusing on consumer electronics and other products. The company provides users with price comparison services to help them make informed purchasing decisions. Founded in 1997, it has grown to be an essential tool for online shoppers in Japan.
The core functionality includes aggregating prices from various online retailers, enabling users to compare and select the most cost-effective options available. As of March 2023, Kakaku.com reported over 25 million monthly users, reflecting its significant penetration in the Japanese e-commerce market.
Kakaku.com generates revenue through affiliate marketing. Retailers pay a commission to Kakaku.com for directing traffic to their websites. As of FY2023, the company reported total revenue of ¥18.78 billion, a growth of 12.5% year-over-year. The breakdown of revenue sources is detailed in the table below:
| Revenue Source | FY2023 Revenue (¥ billion) | Percentage of Total Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Marketing | 15.2 | 80.9% |
| Advertising | 2.0 | 10.7% |
| Other Income | 1.6 | 8.4% |
The company leverages advanced algorithms to track price changes and trends, helping consumers stay informed about the best deals. In Q1 2023, the average price drop reported on the platform was 5.7% across various product categories.
Kakaku.com also emphasizes user-generated content, allowing customers to share reviews and ratings. This feature enhances trust and provides additional data for consumers to base their purchasing decisions. Approximately 4 million reviews were submitted in the fiscal year 2023.
In the competitive e-commerce landscape, Kakaku.com faces challenges from other platforms like Amazon Japan. However, its focus on price comparison and consumer reviews positions it uniquely. As of September 2023, Kakaku.com held a market share of approximately 20% among price comparison websites in Japan.
Financially, Kakaku.com has maintained healthy operating margins, with an operating margin of 22% in FY2023. The net income for the same year was ¥4 billion, showcasing robust profitability.
The company is continuously innovating, introducing features like mobile applications and AI-driven comparisons to enhance user experience. The mobile app has garnered over 1 million downloads as of Q3 2023, indicating a growing trend towards mobile shopping.
Additionally, Kakaku.com engages in partnerships with various retailers to expand its product offerings. As of the latest figures, the platform collaborates with over 3,000 retailers, providing a wide range of products that includes electronics, appliances, and personal care items.
Looking at the international landscape, Kakaku.com is exploring global expansion opportunities. Though still in the early stages, the company has initiated discussions in Southeast Asian markets, driven by the increasing demand for e-commerce solutions in the region.
How Kakaku.com, Inc. Makes Money
Kakaku.com, Inc. operates primarily as an online price comparison platform in Japan, specializing in consumer electronics, home appliances, and various merchandise. The company generates revenue through multiple channels, including affiliate marketing, advertising, and e-commerce services.
Revenue Sources
- Affiliate Marketing: Kakaku.com earns a significant portion of its revenue through affiliate marketing programs. When users click on links to partner sites and make purchases, Kakaku.com receives a commission. In fiscal year 2023, affiliate marketing contributed approximately ¥11.2 billion to the total revenue.
- Advertising Revenue: The platform allows companies to advertise their products, generating considerable income. In the same fiscal year, advertising income reached around ¥6.8 billion.
- E-commerce Services: Kakaku.com also operates e-commerce services where users can directly purchase products. This segment added about ¥3.5 billion to their total revenue in 2023.
Financial Performance Overview
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, Kakaku.com reported total revenue of ¥21.5 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 8.5%. The breakdown of revenues is as follows:
| Revenue Source | FY 2023 Revenue (¥ Billion) | Percentage of Total Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Marketing | 11.2 | 52% |
| Advertising | 6.8 | 31% |
| E-commerce | 3.5 | 16% |
Market Strategies
Kakaku.com utilizes various strategies to enhance its profitability:
- SEO Optimization: By investing in search engine optimization, Kakaku.com improves its visibility in search results, driving more traffic to the platform.
- User Engagement: The company maintains a robust user engagement strategy through customer reviews and ratings, which enhances consumer trust and increases conversion rates.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with numerous retailers and brands allows Kakaku.com to offer diverse product selections and competitive pricing.
Recent Trends and Future Prospects
As of the second quarter of FY 2024, Kakaku.com reported an increase in user traffic, with an average of 12 million unique monthly visitors. The company forecasts a projected revenue growth of 7% for the upcoming year, driven by expanded partnerships and an enhanced mobile platform. Additionally, Kakaku.com is investing in data analytics to refine its marketing strategies and improve service offerings.
In summary, Kakaku.com employs a multi-faceted approach to generate revenue, focusing on affiliate marketing, advertising, and e-commerce. Its financial performance reflects steady growth, supported by strategic market initiatives and technological advancements.
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