Rakuten wesentlich besser als Rocket

- und daher habe ich mir nach dem Einstieg bei Alibaba, die inzwischem mehr als 20% gut gemacht haben, auch einige Rakutens gekauft.

Look Out Amazon, Here Comes...Rakuten?
Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten announced on Tuesday it is acquiring Ebates for $1 billion.

The acquisition, which Rakuten hinted at last week, is part of the Japanese company?s push to grow its base beyond its domestic market and hopefully, become a global player. Having made some $1.2 billion acquisitions to date along these lines, this is Rakuten?s most ambitious move to date.

However, investors are dubious that the company can absorb yet another foreign acquisition, much less one the size of Ebates, despite Rakuten?s strong cash position.
Then there is the ever-present Amazon, which dominates the e-commerce market in the U.S. Few believe it will falter in the face of Chinese giant Alibaba, much less a Rakuten-Ebates combo.

Rakuten Goes Forth

Not surprisingly, Rakuten says it is undaunted. For starters, it has assembled a very interesting mix of acquisitions. There is messaging app Viber, which it purchased for $900 million in February, the Canadian ebook offering Kobo, Spanish video service Wuaki.tv, Viki, a digital content platform and Buy.com.
Now it has picked up Ebates.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikamorphy/2014/09/...ere-comes-rakuten/  

"Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage" überschreitet 10 Milliarden Yen Saldo

8. Januar 2025

Rakuten Bank, Inc. (Hauptsitz: Minato-ku, Tokio, President & CEO: Hiroyuki Nagai, im Folgenden als "Rakuten Bank" bezeichnet) freut sich bekannt zu geben, dass der Saldo der "Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage" bis Ende Dezember 2024 10 Milliarden Yen überschritten hat.

Im Januar 2021 begann die Rakuten Bank mit der Behandlung der Rakuten Bank Reverse Mortgage als eines der Schlüsselprodukte zur Lösung des Problems der Pensionsfonds in Japan, wo eine alternde Gesellschaft voranschreitet. Eine Umkehrhypothek ist ein Darlehenssystem, das es Ihnen ermöglicht, einen Kredit zu erhalten, während Sie weiterhin als Sicherheit in Ihrem Haus wohnen. Im Gegensatz zu allgemeinen Krediten wie Hypotheken, die die Zahlung von Kapital und Zinsen erfordern, sind monatliche Zahlungen nur Zinsen, und sie erregen Aufmerksamkeit als ein Produkt, das die Angst vor Rentenfonds lindert.

Seit seiner Einführung wird die Umkehrhypothek der Rakuten Bank von vielen Kunden nicht nur zur Finanzierung ihres Ruhestandslebens genutzt, sondern auch zur Refinanzierung ihrer Hypotheken und zum Kauf von Eigentumswohnungen mit Pflege. Darüber hinaus wurde es aufgrund seiner Eigenschaften als Internetbank für seine landesweite Abdeckung mit Ausnahme einiger Bereiche, die Leichtigkeit, mit der es auf der Website angewendet werden kann, ohne dass eine Filiale besucht werden muss, und die attraktive Zinseinstellung gut angenommen.

https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/press/2024/250108.html

 

https://www.google.com/finance/quote/5838:TYO?window=1Y  

The expansion of IoT devices at the consumer and business level is putting a strain on current networks. Faster speeds, along with AI and automation, are required at the network level to cope with this growing demand.  Over the next year, there?ll be standards development for integrating AI and automation into telecom networks, focusing on improving network management, customer service, and operational efficiency.

Issam Toufik, CTO, ETSI

https://www.telecoms.com/...rovider/what-will-2025-hold-for-telecoms-

 

https://cabify.com/en/about-
us#:~:text=Our%2520mission%2520inspires%2520us.%2520As%2520does%2­520the%2520journey,develop%2520technology%2520by%2520and%2520for%­2520people%E2%80%99s%2520mobility%2520needs.
 

Operator confidence in open RAN products jumps in 2024

Heavy Reading operator survey shows that 48% of respondents believe open RAN products/architectures are now "mature for scale deployments."

Gabriel Brown, Principal Analyst, Heavy Reading

November 6, 2024

Open RAN is getting closer to commercial viability at scale. More than half of respondents (58%) to the newly released Heavy Reading 2024 Open RAN Operator Survey expect their company to have "a scaled live deployment in a city, region, or larger area" by the end of 2025. Among larger operators ? those with more than $5bn in annual revenue ? 69% expect to have a scaled live deployment by the end of 2025. This data indicates that open RAN technology could be close to an important adoption threshold.
In conclusion, open RAN is making concrete progress and is increasingly embedded in vendor product roadmaps and operator deployment plans. At the same time, this article is a call for realism. Operators have a great responsibility to maintain reliable mobile network services ? critical services we all rely on ? and this inevitably forces a stepwise approach to scaling open RAN.

https://www.lightreading.com/open-ran/...n-ran-products-jumps-in-2024
 

Mobile with a total of over 8.3 million subscribers

But perhaps what excites me most is our progress in the mobile sector. In 2024, Rakuten Mobile launched commercial services using the 700 MHz ?platinum band.? This, among many other improvements to our network, has helped us grow to reach a total of over 8.3 million subscribers.

Mobile phones are no longer just for communicating ? they?re your wallet, your bank, your school and an indispensable tool of daily life. Rakuten Mobile?s embrace of revolutionary mobile technologies has allowed us to offer unlimited data for an affordable price, driving down average mobile subscription costs in Japan even as overall living costs continue to rise.

https://rakuten.today/mickeysvoice/...-why-im-excited-about-2025.html
 

Rakuten Viber, Smart bring ad-free experience, many more perks

January 11, 2025

Leading communications app Rakuten Viber and mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) are spreading some cheer to gift Smart Postpaid subscribers a 3-month free subscription of Viber Plus, the premium upgrade that levels up everyday chats especially this season of connection.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/11/...perience-many-more-perks/
 

Mobile, fintech and AI: Why I?m excited about 2025

Mickey Mikitani
CEO, Rakuten Group, Inc.

January 10, 2025

As we step boldly into another new year, I find myself energized by the transformative journey we?ve undertaken at Rakuten. In 2024, industries around the world experienced an unprecedented technological acceleration, amid which we not only achieved significant business milestones, but also reinforced our commitment to empowering digital innovation, making it accessible to individuals, communities, businesses and society on a global scale.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/...-excited-2025-mickey-mikitani-3qxcc
 

January 08, 2025

Pakistani banks led the ranking of Asia-Pacific (APAC) lenders with the best performing stocks in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

Several banks from the region's developing economies outperformed those in traditional powerhouse nations in terms of total returns.

Japan was the only country with multiple lenders in the top 10 best performers, while the remaining spots were taken by one bank each from Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines.
The ranking focused on Asia Pacific banks with market capitalizations above $100mn as of December 31.

Japan's SBI Sumishin Net Bank Ltd ranked third among banks in the region with the highest total returns, while Rakuten Bank Ltd was seventh, according to the Market Intelligence data.

Japanese companies, including banks, have benefited from monetary policy normalization after the nation's central bank ended its experiment with negative interest rates in March 2024.

https://mettisglobal.news/...d-apac-with-strongest-stock-performance/
 

Rakuten Bank has surpassed a deposit balance of 12 trillion yen.

January 7, 2025

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/47812816/..._ticket=1735814048151448
 

Rakuten Viber unveils new security solutions for businesses

November 13, 2024

Rakuten Viber has launched new solutions to further protect communication on the platform. Businesses can now quickly authenticate users to enhance trust and reduce fraud, making interactions more secure.

?Security is a part of Rakuten Viber?s DNA,? said Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. ?As 60% of online customers now prioritize security and transparency in communications with businesses, it is imperative to redefine trust. Our new solutions reinforce our commitment to safeguarding every brand-user interaction while solidifying our role as a secure super app. Our mission is to create a platform where everyone can engage seamlessly, with confidence in the privacy and integrity of their communications.?

The new security solutions are available to businesses worldwide on demand.

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/11/13/...er-businesses-security/
 

AST SpaceMobile secures long-term spectrum access to advance space-based cellular services

Jan 07, 2025

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced an agreement to access up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the United States. This addition will significantly enhance its direct-to-device satellite communications capabilities.

This agreement positions AST SpaceMobile to combine its existing low-band spectrum coverage in the continental United States with premium lower mid-band spectrum access, creating an enhanced framework for reliable and widespread connectivity. The company's advanced communications arrays, the largest deployed in low Earth orbit, will support this integration to deliver better performance across diverse applications.

https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/...ased_cellular_services_999.html
 

Viber Pay 101: Setting Up Your Account and Sending Money Instantly

By Eden Ezion
October 31, 2024

Viber Pay is your new go-to digital wallet within the Rakuten Viber messaging app. It lets you send money to friends and family securely, instantly, and for free. Currently available in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, Viber Pay is also coming soon to the Philippines. Imagine transferring money as easily as sending a message ? that?s Viber Pay!

https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2024-10-31/...-sending-money-instantly/

 

Rakuten Rewards' Global Vision Widens with UK Service Launch

January 10, 2025

Rakuten Rewards is spreading its wings beyond North America to the rest of the world, starting with the UK! This brand expansion has been gaining momentum through 2024, right up to the peak year-end shopping campaign, incorporating promotions with local celebrities, influencers, and ads with a uniquely British flavor. RNN investigates this new venture, including the reasons for entering the UK, and the consumer response so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFJbLCFlmQo
 

"I take the view that an improvement in operating profitability will put Rakuten in a position to command a more demanding valuation multiple. RKUNY has delivered a good set of results for Q3 2024, and I think that the company can turn operating income positive for full-year FY 2025.?

https://seekingalpha.com/article/...ty-inflection-point-reiterate-buy
 

Over 8.3 million subscribers

In our core internet services business, we achieved an estimated 6 trillion yen in annual domestic e-commerce gross merchandise sales for 2024. Our fintech services also continued to break new ground ? Rakuten Card reached a quarterly milestone of 6 trillion yen in shopping transaction volume, while Rakuten Bank and Rakuten Securities surpassed 16.19 million and 11.65 million accounts respectively, cementing their places as the leading digital bank and online securities brokerage in Japan.

But perhaps what excites me most is our progress in the mobile sector. In 2024, Rakuten Mobile launched commercial services using the 700 MHz ?platinum band.? This, among many other improvements to our network, has helped us grow to reach a total of over 8.3 million subscribers.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/...-excited-2025-mickey-mikitani-3qxcc
 

Strong Development of Results of Operations (Quarterly)

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/investors/financial/trends02.html
 

We are Symphony: A conversation with Jason King

By Suddhaloke Choudhury
Global Content and Social Media Manager Rakuten Symphony

What makes Rakuten Symphony different from other places you?ve worked?

The really interesting thing about Rakuten Symphony is that it is an upstart, yet it is part of a established leader like Rakuten, which makes the company dynamic and incredibly agile. Also, this company was born out of the creation of an industry disrupting mobile network in Japan, a feat that has given Rakuten Symphony significant credibility. With us going against the status quo, it allows me, as a member of the marketing team to come up with creative ways to share our unique story within a somewhat static industry which has been doing business the same way for decades.

What are your roles and responsibilities in your current position?

Currently, I am a Senior Director within the CMO organization. I'm closely involved in digital marketing, working with product and engineering teams to build out our presence online and formulate our overall strategy on multiple external platforms. I also look after the marketing relationships with our partners, which has been an ongoing role for me over the past couple of years. This involves working closely with partners like Intel and Google Cloud, to create joint go-to-market strategies. Recently, my focus has shifted toward growing the Rakuten Cloud brand, increasing its market awareness, and promoting our newly launched website. It has been an exciting adventure so far, expanding our presence across various verticals, including both the telecom and enterprise sectors.

What?s next for you?

2025 promises to be an exciting year for Rakuten Symphony. As a marketing professional, this naturally means it will also be an exciting and busy year for me. I am sure that we will continue to create innovative new solutions, forge new partnerships and I am looking forward to sharing these new developments externally.

https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/...y-a-conversation-with-jason-king
 

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/5838.T/
 

Market Cap of Rakuten Bank = 797.732B Yen = $ 5.05 billion

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/5838.T/

Rakuten owning 50% of Rakuten Bank.
 

Winning in travel: the essential role of affiliate marketing in 2025

December 16, 2024

In-depth research by Rakuten Advertising has revealed the travel preferences of UK consumers. Find out how partnership marketing strategies can help brands succeed in the travel market.

Case study: Icelandair

Icelandair is Iceland?s flagship airline and connects Europe and North America with a unique stopover programme, allowing travellers to explore the country?s volcanic beauty on transatlantic flights without additional cost.

Icelandair wanted a new digital marketing channel that would help them break into the North American market. They turned to Rakuten Advertising?s affiliate travel team to build a new affiliate programme from the ground up.

With access to high-performing publishers that are uniquely suited to the travel market, Icelandair was able to target its desired audience and easily track performance.

Icelandair has trialled loyalty partners and increased cashback rates for off-peak periods with remarkable results.

Since joining the Rakuten Advertising Network, Icelandair has achieved a notable increase in North American bookings and overall affiliate sales. This success stems from Icelandair?s proactive approach to testing and learning, the extensive reach of Rakuten Advertising?s global publisher network, and its travel-specific technology. The results since launch have been impressive.

Key results were:
Less than 30 days to launch the programme
48% sales increase QoQ
10%+ increase in clicks

https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/...mp;utm_campaign=CAMLinkedIn
 

Rakuten Mobile can break even by 2025 as a standalone domestic operator, estimating it needs at least 10 million to 12 million subscribers to achieve this, as in the middle and long term it will reach 15 million and 20 million subscriber and maybe more.  

CB and Taiwan Rakuten Card Launch New JCB Panda Card

TOKYO & TAIPEI, Jan 15, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan?s only international payment brand, has announced the launch of the new JCB Panda Card in collaboration with Taiwan Rakuten Card. The new JCB Panda Card will be available starting January 15, 2025.


Taiwan Rakuten Card was established in 2014 with the approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission to enter the Taiwanese domestic credit card market, becoming the first e-commerce platform in Taiwan to issue own credit card. By integrating e-commerce services, membership accounts, and in-house points, Taiwan Rakuten Card provides seamless online and offline services for online stores and consumers and a convenient environment for card use. In addition, it integrates powerful and cooperative merchants and stores in Japan to provide Rakuten cardholders with various travel services in Japan. Since January 2015, the number of cards issued in Taiwan has exceeded 300,000.

The newly launched JCB Panda Card offers up to 3% cashback on purchases made via two major mobile payment methods (Line Pay and JKO Pay) at selected merchants such as major airlines, gasoline stations and OTAs in the Taiwanese domestic market. As for other countries and regions outside Taiwan, JCB Panda Card offers unlimited base 1.5% cashback with 3.5% in Japan, Korea and Thailand.

https://www.pr-inside.com/...d-launch-new-jcb-panda-card-r5069397.htm
 

The spread between the yield on Rakuten?s debt and Japanese government bonds has narrowed significantly, showing greater investor confidence. For Rakuten yen bonds due December 2026, the spread contracted to about 180 basis points as of Jan. 16, down from around 490 basis points a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Bloomberg.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/...ani-wants-sell-bonds-031623008.html
 

Geoff Hollingworth
Chief Marketing Officer Rakuten Symphony

January 16, 2025

After five years Rakuten is achieving its goals, becoming profitable in Q4 of last year. Rakuten brought down mobile phones bills by an average of 2,000 JPY monthly and we saved Japanese households a combined four trillion JPY annually. The network delivers quality and performance at parity or better than traditional network approaches.

With the above in mind, here are the top 10 realities we are strategizing around for 2025. We hope this insight can shed light on activities and initiatives the broader industry may be planning.

https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/...realities-to-guide-2025-planning