How to invest in webtoon industry - NAVER, Comico(3923:T)

The webtoon industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with more and more people turning to online platforms to read their favorite comics and graphic novels. With this growth comes new opportunities for investment, as companies in this industry go public and offer stock to investors.

Webtoon Companies to Watch

Here are some of the top webtoon companies that are worth paying attention to if you're interested in investing in the industry:

LINE Webtoon (LW)

LINE Webtoon is a subsidiary of the South Korean internet company, Naver Corporation. It is one of the largest webtoon platforms in the world, offering a wide range of comic genres for readers to enjoy.

As of 2021, LINE Webtoon does not have a stock ticker, as it is still a subsidiary of Naver Corporation. However, Naver Corporation is publicly traded on the South Korean stock exchange under the ticker "035420."

Tapas Media (TAPAS)

Tapas Media is a US-based webtoon platform that was founded in 2012. It offers a wide range of comics, graphic novels, and other forms of serialized storytelling for readers to enjoy.

As of 2021, Tapas Media is a privately held company and does not have a stock ticker.

Comico (CMCO)

Comico is a Japanese webtoon platform that was founded in 2013. It offers a wide range of comics and graphic novels for readers in Japan and other parts of Asia.

Comico is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker "3923." As of 2021, the company has a P/E ratio of 51.03 and a P/B ratio of 2.04. It does not currently offer a dividend to shareholders.

Considerations for Investing in the Webtoon Industry

When investing in the webtoon industry, it's important to keep in mind the potential risks and benefits. Here are some things to consider:

Market saturation

The webtoon industry is growing rapidly, but it's also becoming increasingly competitive. As more companies enter the market, it may become harder for any one company to stand out and capture a significant share of the market.

Copyright issues

Copyright issues can be a major concern in the webtoon industry. Many webtoons are created by independent artists and writers, who may not have the resources to properly protect their works from infringement. This can lead to legal disputes and decreased profits for webtoon companies.

Dependence on technology

The webtoon industry is heavily dependent on technology, specifically smartphones and internet access. If technology were to change or become less accessible, it could have a significant impact on the industry.

Conclusion

The webtoon industry is growing rapidly, offering new opportunities for investment. However, it's important to keep in mind the potential risks and challenges, such as market saturation, copyright issues, and dependence on technology. As with any investment, it's essential to do your research and weigh the potential benefits and risks before making a decision.