LG and SK outperform other chaebol

LG and SK groups got a boost in the value of their stocks in 2007, while other top companies stocks performance were less impressive, according to data from the Korea Exchange (KRX). LG’s 12 listed companies posted a combined market capitalization of 63.6 trillion won (US$69.5 billion) as of October 19, up 69% from 37.8 trillion won (US$ 41.3 billion) at the beginning of this year, the KRX said. The country’s biggest chemical maker posted strong earnings on rising demand for plastics. SK Group, spurred by the group’s re-listings of SK Holdings and SK Energy after it adopted the holding company system, outpaced Hyundai Motor Group as the nation’s No. 3 conglomerate in terms of market capitalization, topping 53.3 trillion won (US$58.2 billion), up 36% from 39.3 trillion won (US$43 billion) in the last 10 months. (October 22, 2007)