Adways

Basic Information

Stock Code
2489
Industry
Services
Category Detail
Advertising
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
February 2001
Listing Year
June 2006
Official Website
https://www.adways.net/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Green Monster, Interspace, Fan Communications, ValueCommerce, Ceres, Synchro, JCR Pharma, GMO TECH, Rentrax, GMO Media, UMC Electronics

Overview

Adways is a leading company in the internet advertising industry founded in 2001, primarily engaged in performance-based advertising and ad platform businesses, with strengths in mobile advertising.

Current Situation

Adways achieved consolidated sales of approximately 59.6 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 1.67 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2022. It has multiple subsidiaries and overseas bases both domestically and internationally, with internet advertising centered on mobile ad delivery and affiliate services as its main businesses. Major shareholders include Hakuhodo DY Holdings and Itochu Corporation, strengthening competitiveness through capital and business alliances. It is advancing the use of advanced advertising technologies through its subsidiary UNICORN, certified as an Apple Search Ads Partner. With sustainability and DX promotion as key pillars of management, it aims for growth in the advertising industry and adaptation to market changes. As a Prime Market listed company, it focuses on enhancing global expansion and developing new solutions in the medium to long term to achieve continuous growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founder started business after dropping out of high school and gaining door-to-door sales experience
  • Subsidiary UNICORN is Japan's first Apple Search Ads partner
  • Strong capital alliance with Hakuhodo DY Holdings
  • Global advertising business expansion through multiple overseas bases
  • Pioneering the ad technology field and leading the market
  • Maintains high share in smartphone affiliate advertising
  • Operates proprietary performance-based ad network
  • Diversified business including sauna operations
  • Maintains stable funding through Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market listing
  • Practices risk diversification through ad deployment across diverse industries
  • Provides customized advertising services to customers
  • Actively introduces proprietary AI technology for ad effectiveness analysis
  • Specialized company strong in smartphone game advertising
  • Enhanced market competitiveness through collaboration with major ad agencies
  • President recognized in the industry as a young leader

Hidden Connections

  • Forms strategic partnership as an equity-method affiliate of Hakuhodo DY Holdings
  • Capital alliance with Itochu Corporation to promote broad business collaboration
  • Subsidiary UNICORN is Japan's first official Apple Search Ads partner
  • Diversification strategy fusing membership sauna business with advertising
  • Multiple subsidiaries and bases in Asian countries for region-specific strategies
  • Expanding marketing techniques and platform technology to diverse industries
  • Founder Okamura Hisshi's door-to-door sales experience influences sales culture
  • Enhanced reliability by changing to Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market since IPO

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Further expansion of the mobile advertising market
  • Increased ad demand due to acceleration of digital transformation
  • Improved ad effectiveness through advanced AI and data analysis
  • Strengthening ad regulation compliance technology domestically and internationally
  • Aggressive business expansion in Asian markets
  • Growing and diversifying demand for performance-based advertising
  • Introduction of new media and technologies
  • Expansion of cross-channel advertising
  • Rising social interest in sustainable advertising
  • Ad technology adapted to strengthened privacy protection
  • Service expansion leveraging global collaborations
  • Innovation in advertising content for younger generations

Strategic Goals

  • Expand advertising market share domestically and internationally
  • Maximize ad effectiveness using AI and big data
  • New business sales accounting for over 30% of total sales
  • Nationwide rollout of sustainable advertising programs
  • Foster corporate culture that is sustainable and respects diversity
  • Establish as a top player in the Asian market
  • Promote internationalization of ad delivery platforms
  • Establish advanced privacy-compliant technology
  • Continuous improvement in employee satisfaction
  • Strengthen educational support for digital marketing

Business Segments

Internet Advertising Agency

Overview
Provides optimal internet advertising and promotions for various industries.
Competitiveness
Mobile-specialized advertising technology and extensive partner network
Customers
  • Advertiser companies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Marketing companies
  • E-commerce operators
  • Smartphone game developers
Products
  • Performance-based advertising services
  • Ad networks
  • Digital marketing consulting
  • Campaign operation support
  • Mobile advertising delivery systems

Advertising Platform Development

Overview
Develops and operates advanced advertising delivery platforms.
Competitiveness
High technological capabilities and official partnerships
Customers
  • Developers
  • Ad delivery operators
  • Media operators
  • B2B service providers
Products
  • Targeting advertising solutions
  • Apple Search Ads support
  • DSP platforms
  • Data analysis services

Media Operations and Content Production

Overview
Creates new value through lifestyle-related media operations and content distribution businesses.
Competitiveness
Diverse content production expertise
Customers
  • General consumers
  • Sauna users
  • E-book readers
  • Corporate advertisers
Products
  • Membership sauna services
  • E-books and manga distribution
  • Ad-supported media content

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Strong technological capabilities and network in performance-based advertising
  • Specialization in mobile and smartphone advertising
  • Capital strength from alliance with Hakuhodo DY Holdings
  • Official Apple Search Ads partner certification
  • Global expansion through diverse subsidiaries and overseas bases
  • Abundant advertising delivery platform technology
  • Advanced data analysis and targeting functions
  • Specialized know-how in mobile advertising operations
  • Experience in diverse media and content operations
  • Solid customer base and partner companies
  • Proactive stance in new business development
  • Flexible business models and service deployments
  • Strong brand recognition and industry trust
  • Strong financial base and stable funding capabilities
  • Comprehensive digital marketing support capabilities

Competitive Advantages

  • High share in niche mobile advertising market
  • Enhanced ad effectiveness through synergy with Hakuhodo DY Group
  • Superiority in Apple Search Ads integration via UNICORN
  • Diverse partner network in performance-based advertising
  • Development capabilities for ad platforms using cutting-edge technology
  • Flexible response to overseas markets through multi-country expansion
  • Abundant track record and high reliability compared to competitors
  • Comprehensive ad effectiveness analysis and consulting services
  • Broad service offerings to meet diverse customer needs
  • Revenue stabilization through diversified business via subsidiaries
  • Business continuity through compliance with strict domestic and international regulations
  • Management policy focused on sustainable operations
  • Leading the digital shift in the advertising industry
  • Flexible pricing and contract options
  • Strong management by leadership resilient in transitional periods

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in the advertising market
  • Risks from strengthened digital advertising regulations
  • Complexity of legal regulations accompanying overseas expansion
  • Burden of complying with global privacy protection laws
  • Potential difficulty in keeping pace with rapid technological innovations
  • Impact from management changes in key partners
  • Risk of decreased ad demand due to economic downturn
  • Rise of influencer marketing, etc.
  • Market fragmentation by new entrants
  • Destabilization of overseas bases due to geopolitical risks
  • Risks arising from rapid changes in consumer behavior
  • Loss of key personnel and recruitment difficulties

Innovations

2023: UNICORN Becomes Japan's First Official Apple Search Ads Partner

Overview
Subsidiary UNICORN certified as Apple's official partner, improving ad delivery quality and effectiveness.
Impact
Contributes to market share expansion and higher profitability

2021: Development of AI-Powered Advertising Delivery System

Overview
Introduced AI-driven ad targeting system to enhance effectiveness measurement and optimization.
Impact
Average 10% improvement in ad effectiveness

2022: Strengthening Digital Marketing Consulting

Overview
Launched customer DX support and strategy building services to enhance competitive edge.
Impact
Increased acquisition of new customers

2024: Renewal of Mobile-Exclusive Advertising Delivery Network

Overview
Built a high-speed, stable mobile ad network, including compliance with latest privacy regulations.
Impact
Expansion of user reach and increased ad revenue

Sustainability

  • Promoting reduction in paper resources through digitalization of ad delivery
  • Supporting employee health through work-style reforms
  • Promoting diversity through utilization of diverse talent
  • Office operations considering reduction in environmental impact
  • Development of sustainable advertising programs