Latest news with #WOW
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Invest in Coupang Right Now?
The e-commerce giant has built a solid competitive advantage in its home market of South Korea. Fast shipping speeds and other benefits have won it over 23 million customers -- and growing. International growth is the big question, but investors are not being asked to pay a steep premium. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Coupang (NYSE: CPNG) is often referred to as the "Amazon of South Korea." It's a fast-growing e-commerce store that is following a strategy similar to its U.S. counterpart by offering a range of services like food delivery (Coupang Eats) and entertainment (Coupang Play) to supplement its online retail business. The thing is, Coupang is not trying to be the next Amazon. It started out years ago as an eBay-like marketplace. Even though Coupang was profitable, founder and CEO Bom Kim didn't like the direction in which the company was headed and decided to completely restructure the business into what it is today. Since 2018, the company has grown revenue from $4 billion to $31 billion on a trailing-12-month basis. It dominates the Korean e-commerce market. While it's uncertain how far Coupang might be able to expand beyond South Korea over the long term, the stock is offering a reasonable valuation that may undervalue its prospects in existing markets. On a currency-neutral basis, Coupang has delivered consistent growth of 20% or more since its initial public offering in 2021. It entered 2025 with continued momentum, with revenue up 21% year over year in the first quarter, excluding currency changes. Coupang has built a strong advantage with its logistics infrastructure that can deliver orders overnight to customers living in high-density population centers. This has kept competitors like Amazon at bay, allowing Coupang to gain over 23 million customers, and it's still growing. Its active customer count grew 9% year over year last quarter. Moreover, Coupang is seeing its free cash flow and margins improve as it scales investments and grows revenue. It generated $1 billion in free cash flow on a trailing-12-month basis, which is a notable improvement over the negative free cash flow reported just a few years ago. Investments in technology, automation, and robotics are benefiting its ability to deliver packages faster while reducing costs. Investors should expect Coupang's free cash flow to increase over the next several years, which could benefit the stock. Coupang has a solid lead in South Korea, but investors need to know if its strategy will work outside of its home market. On that score, there are early signs that Coupang could be successful expanding in select international markets. The e-commerce giant entered Taiwan in 2021 and continues to expand. It recently launched its WOW membership program there, bringing free shipping and other benefits for a subscription fee. The continued investment in Taiwan indicates management is seeing high returns on capital spending. But it's also important to know that the South Korean retail market alone is worth $500 billion. Coupang controls a very small percentage of the combined market in both countries, providing plenty of long-term growth potential. What makes the stock appealing is that its valuation doesn't require sky-high growth for investors to earn good returns. The stock's price-to-sales multiple of 1.7 is fair for its current pace of growth. Given its growth trajectory and opportunities ahead, investors buying the stock today could double their investment in five years, assuming Coupang can continue growing revenue around 15% per year and the stock trades at the same price-to-sales multiple. If Coupang continues to show more potential for international growth, the upside could be quite significant over the next few decades. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $367,516!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $38,712!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $669,517!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join , and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Ballard has positions in Coupang. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool recommends Coupang. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should You Invest in Coupang Right Now? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fashion Network
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Coupang takes Farfetch to S. Korea in link-up with its R.Lux unit
Farfetch will leverage local experience in a partnership that means millions of already engaged customers will gain immediate access to the global luxury e-tailer's extensive selection. At launch, an extensive selection of categories will be available, including womenswear, menswear, shoes, bags, watches and fine jewellery, from the world's top brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni and Ferragamo, as well as emerging designers. Users can tap the Fashion tab in the app with products ordered being delivered within four to seven days. Delivery is free and shoppers signed up to Coupang's WOW rewards programme will get exclusive benefits such as free returns. Also important is that handles the tricky issues such as direct purchases of luxury goods requiring customers to report and pay tariffs and VAT. It means the price quoted includes all taxes and refunds reflect the full price too. Farfetch said that this integration 'empowers' its partners, 'the world's top brands and boutiques, to tap deeper into the South Korean luxury market, a significant and promising market consistently ranked among the top 10 globally. Stephen Eggleston, Chief Commercial Officer at Farfetch, added: 'We are thrilled to offer our partners – both brands and boutiques – a tremendous opportunity. This unique gateway will significantly expand their access to the high-spending South Korean luxury market. Together, we will continue to offer the widest selection of products, including unique items customers can't find anywhere else.' And an spokesperson said the Farfetch deal allows it to offer a massively expanded choice to customers while the company is planning to further expand selections across various categories in the future.
Fashion Network
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Coupang takes Farfetch to S. Korea in link-up with its R.Lux unit
Farfetch will leverage local experience in a partnership that means millions of already engaged customers will gain immediate access to the global luxury e-tailer's extensive selection. At launch, an extensive selection of categories will be available, including womenswear, menswear, shoes, bags, watches and fine jewellery, from the world's top brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni and Ferragamo, as well as emerging designers. Users can tap the Fashion tab in the app with products ordered being delivered within four to seven days. Delivery is free and shoppers signed up to Coupang's WOW rewards programme will get exclusive benefits such as free returns. Also important is that handles the tricky issues such as direct purchases of luxury goods requiring customers to report and pay tariffs and VAT. It means the price quoted includes all taxes and refunds reflect the full price too. Farfetch said that this integration 'empowers' its partners, 'the world's top brands and boutiques, to tap deeper into the South Korean luxury market, a significant and promising market consistently ranked among the top 10 globally. Stephen Eggleston, Chief Commercial Officer at Farfetch, added: 'We are thrilled to offer our partners – both brands and boutiques – a tremendous opportunity. This unique gateway will significantly expand their access to the high-spending South Korean luxury market. Together, we will continue to offer the widest selection of products, including unique items customers can't find anywhere else.' And an spokesperson said the Farfetch deal allows it to offer a massively expanded choice to customers while the company is planning to further expand selections across various categories in the future.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tackle plastic pollution on all fronts
Managing plastic has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our times. And the theme of this year's World Environment Day, Beat Plastic Pollution, has reiterated this crisis. According to a 2024 report published in Nature, India is responsible for one-fifth of global plastic emissions. Clearly, as a nation we need to drive stronger action for plastic collection and disposal. But the fight against plastic is not one we can win alone. This fight is a shared responsibility one that demands the active participation of various stakeholders, including citizens, governments, and corporates. Corporate action – leading with purpose is key. The good news is that many are already doing so across industries, from FMCG to mining. Let's evaluate how good their fight is and if others can join in. Every time plastic waste is processed instead of being dumped or buried, greenhouse gases (GHGs) get reduced. Hyundai Motor India Foundation is redefining circular waste management with its flagship project, EcoGram, in Gurugram. The facility processes over 2,000 kg of wet waste and 5,000 kg of dry waste daily, converting organic matter into biogas and electricity and routing recyclables for reuse. Ecogram has made a measurable environmental impact through the reduction of landfill-generated GHGs by preventing over 1.44 lakh kg of CO₂ emissions since 2022. EcoGram is more than a facility; it's a decentralised movement from waste to renewable energy. Through such innovation, even discarded plastic gets a second chance to fight for the planet. The test of a corporate's resolve to fight plastic pollution can be gauged from the strategy it follows to tackle the issue. Applying this yardstick, ITC stands out as a leader in sustainability. What sets it apart is the adoption of a multidimensional plastic management strategy and successfully integrating it with its business operations. For instance, the company has created sustainable packaging alternatives through a No Plastic, Better Plastic, and Less Plastic approach. The company has been plastic neutral for four consecutive years. It's Well-Being Out of Waste (WOW) programme has engaged 29 million citizens, 7.1 million schoolchildren and over 2,240 corporates. WOW has enabled sustainable livelihoods for over 17,900 waste collectors and fostered 150 social entrepreneurs. In 2024-25 alone, 61,700 tonnes of dry waste were collected from towns and cities across India. What better platform than the Mahakumbh 2025 to spotlight plastic sustainability through messages as well as through actions? As part of its Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India produced and distributed 21,500 recycled PET jackets to sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. These jackets highlighted the transformative potential of recycled plastic, urging attendees to see value in waste. The company installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, built entirely from recycled multi-layered plastic. In addition, reverse vending machines (RVMs) were deployed at key locations such as railway stations and food courts in Prayagraj to further drive PET recycling. In the rugged mining belt of Chitradurga, Karnataka, Vedanta Sesa Goa is rewriting the playbook on industrial sustainability. Its site has been certified Single-Use Plastic Free, thanks to a series of eco-conscious steps. Apart from reducing harmful plastic use across operations, the company has been adopting biodegradable packaging, deploying electric vehicles and reducing water consumption. Another example of a corporate advancing the recycling agenda is UFlex. The company is driven by the purpose of transitioning to a circular plastics economy – 'keep plastic in the economy and out of the environment.' The company is innovating with recyclable mono-materials and compostable packaging, making it possible for brands to adopt sustainable packaging without burdening the planet. It is not only in India that UFlex is fixing plastics but in other countries as well. The company operates recycling plants to process post-consumer PET bottles and mixed plastic waste in Poland, Mexico and Egypt apart from Delhi-NCR. Collectively, the company recycles nearly 30,000 MT of plastic waste annually with a goal of reaching 100,000 MT by expanding its global recycling infrastructure. Vedanta is also driving a shift towards more sustainable practices in the display industry, aligning innovation with environmental responsibility. Through AvanStrate, it has introduced the Super Green SaiSei glass, an industry-first with at least 50% recycled content and 95% lower carbon emissions, setting a new benchmark in eco-conscious display glass manufacturing and helping its customers advance their own sustainability goals. To sum up, for corporates wanting to contribute meaningfully and join the good fight, several key elements are essential. They must create a sustainability strategy that aligns closely with their respective businesses. Having specific and measurable sustainability goals is critical, along with nurturing scalable impact programmes that raise awareness and drive change. Equally important are initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmental restoration. It has to be an attack on plastic pollution at various fronts, and as more companies join the good fight, it will eventually have to turn into a winnable great fight! For the sake of our planet. This article is authored by Ranganath Tannir, secretary general, Think Change Forum (TCF).
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Families get involved in marking World Ocean Week
An Jersey environmental charity has kicked off its World Ocean Week (WOW) celebrations with a series of events aimed at connecting families with the ocean. Ocean Culture Life (OCL) said its collaboration with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Jersey would feature interactive workshops, creative storytelling, and hands-on conservation activities. The events have taken place in Jersey for the past three years, with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott visiting the island in 2024 to talk about protecting the planet's waters. Co-founder of OCL Tamsin Raine said WOW 2025 got under way in St Ouen on Monday with "amazing energy". She said: "We have explored the shore line with the low tide discovery workshop and we have started brainstorming our mural ideas with Art House Jersey. "The kids are totally buzzing, full of questions, ideas and creativity, and that's really what this week is about, connecting people to the ocean in ways that are fun, meaningful and memorable. "I think it's these experiences that plant the seeds of long-term change." Speakers for the 2025 event include Zandile Ndhlovu, a South African ocean conservationist, and British conservation biologist, photographer and filmmaker, Kaush Subramaniam. Other activities being held in Jersey for WOW include a local art exhibition, sensory workshops, a community paddle out, and a display of local marine life. OCL said hundreds of young people would participate in its ocean conservation school workshops as part of the project. The experience ends with the celebration of World Ocean Day on 8 June. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Astronaut helps schools learn about World Ocean Week Ocean Culture Life
