The KOSDAQ Global Segment Kicks Off... 51 Blue-Chip Companies Including Ecopro BM Included

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] The Korea Exchange announced on the 21st that it has finalized 51 blue-chip companies in the KOSDAQ market as 'KOSDAQ Global' inclusion companies and held a launch ceremony at its Seoul headquarters.

The Exchange officially announced the 'KOSDAQ Global' index on the same day, which is calculated by market capitalization based on the constituent stocks of the KOSDAQ Global inclusion companies.

The Exchange explained that the index has delivered excess returns compared to the KOSDAQ. Over the past three years (January 2020 to November 2022), the KOSDAQ Global index posted a return of 44%, showing a higher excess return compared to the overall market (8.5%). In particular, it demonstrated superior index performance even when compared to KOSDAQ150, which consists of major KOSDAQ market stocks.

An Exchange official noted, "The KOSDAQ Global index rose more resiliently during uptrends and declined relatively less during downturns," adding, "It shows differentiated movements compared to the KOSDAQ150 index, which exhibits a pattern almost similar to the KOSDAQ Composite Index."

The total market capitalization of companies included in the KOSDAQ Global segment amounted to 78 trillion KRW, accounting for 23% of the total KOSDAQ market capitalization of 336 trillion KRW. The average market capitalization of the inclusion companies was approximately 1.5 trillion KRW, which is nine times the overall KOSDAQ average market capitalization (170 billion KRW) excluding the Global segment inclusion companies. The average sales revenue (730 billion KRW) also exceeded the overall KOSDAQ average (90 billion KRW) by eight times.

The industries of the Global segment inclusion companies were also diversely distributed. By sector, companies included ▲Semiconductors (15 companies) ▲Services & Content (14 companies) ▲Pharmaceuticals & Bio (11 companies) ▲Manufacturing (11 companies). Among the inclusion companies, Celltrion Healthcare ranked first in market capitalization. By sector, Ecopro BM (Manufacturing), Kakao Games (Services & Content), and Lino Industrial (Semiconductors) each held the top market capitalization position.

Regarding this, an Exchange official evaluated, "The inclusion companies are excellent in terms of market evaluation and financial aspects and are not concentrated in specific industries," adding, "Even a small number of stocks well represent the entire market."

Meanwhile, Korea Exchange Chairman Sohn Byungdoo said in his commemorative speech on the day, "I extend my congratulations to the inclusion companies recognized as representative companies of the KOSDAQ market," and added, "We will do our best to enhance the value of KOSDAQ Global inclusion companies through active support such as linked product development and overseas IR."

KOSDAQ Association Chairman Jang Kyungho also emphasized in his congratulatory speech, "The sense of belonging among excellent KOSDAQ companies has been strengthened, and a turning point for re-evaluating corporate value has been established," adding, "KOSDAQ Global will establish itself as an icon of innovative growth and contribute to enhancing the brand value of KOSDAQ."

Along with the launch of the KOSDAQ Global segment on the day, a dedicated website providing comprehensive information related to the inclusion companies was also opened. The website offers information such as calculating and announcing the KOSDAQ Global stock price index for the inclusion companies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.