SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/03/08 -- Gmarket Inc. (NASDAQ: GMKT) ("Gmarket")announced today that its gross merchandise value ("GMV") totaled 933.4billion Won (approx. US$944.2 million) for the first quarter of 2008,representing a 29% increase over the first quarter of 2007. GMV is definedas the total value of all items sold on an e-commerce marketplace.
The Company's top three product categories in terms of percentage of firstquarter 2008 GMV were as follows: (1) computers and electronics: 32%(compared to 32% in the previous quarter and 32% in first quarter 2007),(2) clothing and accessories: 28% (compared to 33% in the previous quarterand 34% in first quarter 2007), and (3) food and child care products: 15%(compared to 13% in the previous quarter and 13% in first quarter 2007).
"Despite the usual seasonal slowdown in the first quarter compared to thefourth quarter, we are pleased with the solid growth momentum in our firstquarter GMV and the increasing contributions from product categories suchas food, furniture and sporting goods," said Duckjun (D.J.) Lee, ChiefFinancial Officer of Gmarket. "One of our key strategies for 2008 ismanaging sustainable growth while continuing to improve our profitability,and we believe that we are on track to achieve these objectives."
The Company plans to report its first quarter 2008 results and to hold aconference call with investors and analysts to discuss the first quarter2008 results after the NASDAQ stock market closes on April 29, 2008 in NewYork (Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in Seoul).
Notes: (1) The Dollar amounts provided in this release are based on theexchange rate of 988.60 Won to US$1.00, which is the noon buying rate ineffect on March 31, 2008 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.(2) GMV should not be construed as an alternative to operating income orany other measure of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.Other companies may determine GMV differently than Gmarket does.
About Gmarket
Gmarket Inc. is a leading retail e-commerce marketplace in Korea, offeringbuyers a wide selection of products at competitive prices and sellers acomprehensive and flexible sales solution. Gmarket's e-commercemarketplace is highly scalable and facilitates the sale of products insmall or large quantities to a large number of potential buyers in aconvenient, cost effective and secure manner. Gmarket's e-commercemarketplace is located primarily at www.gmarket.co.kr.
Safe Harbor Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements in this filing on Form 6-K may include, in addition tohistorical information, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning ofthe "safe-harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities LitigationReform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identifiedby the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "expect,""intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "continue,""plan" or "predict" or the negative thereof or other similar words,although not all forward-looking statements will contain these words.These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's currentassumptions, expectations and projections about future events. Allforward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may causethe Company's actual performance, financial condition or results ofoperations to be materially different from those suggested by theforward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company'sability to diversify revenues; the Company's ability to compete effectivelyin a highly competitive industry; the Company's ability to anticipate andaccess technological developments in the Company's industry; the Company'sability to recruit and retain quality employees as the Company grows; theCompany's ability to implement the Company's growth strategies; andeconomic and political conditions in and outside of Korea. Investorsshould consider the information contained in the Company's submissions andfilings with the SEC, including the Company's registration statement onForm F-1, as amended, together with such other documents as the Company maysubmit to or file with the SEC from time to time, including on Form 20-Fand 6-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of this filing onForm 6-K and the Company assumes no duty to update them to reflect new,changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.
Contacts:Paul J. LeeGmarket Inc.+82-2-3016-4372Email ContactIn the U.S.Tyler WilsonThe Ruth Group+1-646-536-7018Email Contact