Kakaku.com Inc
TSE:2371
Kakaku.com Inc
In the bustling heart of Tokyo, Kakaku.com Inc. stands as a testament to Japan’s digital prowess in transforming everyday consumer decisions. Founded in the late 1990s, this company tapped into a burgeoning demand for price transparency and comparison in an era where the internet was starting to reshape commerce. As an online platform, Kakaku.com serves as a virtual marketplace of sorts, where users can compare product prices across a wide array of categories including electronics, home appliances, and lifestyle goods. The company’s strength lies in its user-generated reviews and robust database that offer a comprehensive view into market prices and consumer experiences, fostering an informed decision-making process for buyers. This intricate network of data not only empowers consumers but also equips retailers with valuable insights into market trends and consumer behavior.
Kakaku.com’s revenue model is as savvy as its market presence, predominantly relying on advertising fees from retailers who wish to reach the site’s substantial user base. These retailers pay for better placement and visibility on its platform, aiming to capture the attention of its millions of monthly visitors. Additionally, the company has diversified its revenue streams by delving into related services such as travel booking through ‘Tabelog,’ Japan’s premier restaurant review site under its portfolio. This strategic expansion into complementary areas allows Kakaku.com to leverage its expertise in digital consumer comparison, thereby extending its influence from electronics and appliances into travel and dining. Through this multifaceted approach, Kakaku.com maintains its position as a pivotal player in the industry, continuously adapting to the evolving digital landscape while keeping consumer needs at the forefront.
In the bustling heart of Tokyo, Kakaku.com Inc. stands as a testament to Japan’s digital prowess in transforming everyday consumer decisions. Founded in the late 1990s, this company tapped into a burgeoning demand for price transparency and comparison in an era where the internet was starting to reshape commerce. As an online platform, Kakaku.com serves as a virtual marketplace of sorts, where users can compare product prices across a wide array of categories including electronics, home appliances, and lifestyle goods. The company’s strength lies in its user-generated reviews and robust database that offer a comprehensive view into market prices and consumer experiences, fostering an informed decision-making process for buyers. This intricate network of data not only empowers consumers but also equips retailers with valuable insights into market trends and consumer behavior.
Kakaku.com’s revenue model is as savvy as its market presence, predominantly relying on advertising fees from retailers who wish to reach the site’s substantial user base. These retailers pay for better placement and visibility on its platform, aiming to capture the attention of its millions of monthly visitors. Additionally, the company has diversified its revenue streams by delving into related services such as travel booking through ‘Tabelog,’ Japan’s premier restaurant review site under its portfolio. This strategic expansion into complementary areas allows Kakaku.com to leverage its expertise in digital consumer comparison, thereby extending its influence from electronics and appliances into travel and dining. Through this multifaceted approach, Kakaku.com maintains its position as a pivotal player in the industry, continuously adapting to the evolving digital landscape while keeping consumer needs at the forefront.
Revenue Growth: Kakaku.com reported third quarter revenue of JPY 24.03 billion, up 18.2% year-over-year, driven by strong performance in Tabelog and Kyujin Box.
Profit Decline: Operating profit for the third quarter was JPY 7.29 billion, down 9.2% from the previous year, reflecting increased investments, especially in Kyujin Box.
Guidance Affirmed: Full-year consolidated revenue and operating income guidance remain at JPY 92 billion and JPY 28 billion, respectively, with management reiterating this is an investment phase.
Segment Performance: Tabelog saw double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, while Kyujin Box achieved strong revenue growth but posted an operating loss due to branding investments.
Strategic Moves: Kakaku.com agreed to acquire the engage business from en Inc. to strengthen its HR segment, with integration set for April.
