(2nd LD) Coupang swings to Q3 loss on warehouse fire-related costs

E-commerce behemoth Coupang, Inc. reported a net loss for the third quarter, reversing a profit from the same period last year, according to a press release. The U.S.-listed company attributed the financial setback to costs stemming from a warehouse fire in Incheon, roughly 30 kilometers west of Seoul. The blaze, the second-longest in South Korea, lasted for an extended period, impacting the company's earnings.

Excluding the fire-related expenses, Coupang's net loss amounted to 458.2 billion won in Q3, compared to a profit of 131.6 billion won in the same quarter a year ago. CEO Kim Bom-suk acknowledged the lingering effects of a data breach in November 2025, which has reportedly affected over 37 million customers, contributing to the financial strain.

Despite this, the Product Commerce segment, Coupang's core online shopping business, reported an 8 percent year-over-year increase in sales, reaching 11.95 trillion won in the quarter. Kim projected a return to historical margins as the business recovers from the data incident-related challenges by the following year.