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[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Paul Lee] Foreign investors made a net purchase of E-Mart, the "representative stock of distribution," which has been favorable for nine consecutive trading days, the report showed. Analysts say E-Mart's ransom is being revalued as demand for mart shopping is increasing and regulations on mandatory closures are easing.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 19th, foreign investors bought E-Mart for two weeks from the 7th to the 17th, reaching 48.3 billion won. During the same period, E-Mart's stock price soared 13.32%, marking a noticeable increase compared to the KOSPI's increase (0.53%).

As E-Mart's external growth is likely to continue, foreign buying seems to continue. First of all, sales growth is expected as more and more "home-cooked people" buy food ingredients at large discount stores. This is because as high prices continue, demand for home-cooked meals instead of eating out is increasing.

It is also expected to improve profits and losses of subsidiaries such as SSG.com, Gmarket, and Starbucks Korea. Korea Investment & Securities stressed, "Consumers' demand for mart shopping will grow further due to the slowing growth in the online market and the burden of dining out prices," and delivery, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, estimated, "E-Mart's consolidated operating profit will increase by more than 200 billion won this year compared to the previous year."

A researcher at Shinhan Investment & Securities predicted, "If the current two mandatory holidays on weekends are changed to weekdays, E-Mart's monthly sales will increase by 32 billion won and 384 billion won annually."

 

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