The merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, which has been dragging on for over three years, gained momentum by overcoming a significant hurdle. The European Union (EU) competition authorities, who had been rigorously reviewing the merger, have reportedly made a de facto approval decision.If
SK telecom announced on Jan. 14 that its President Ryu Young-sang and key executives participated in the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics show, CES 2024, which concluded on Jan. 12. They focused on expanding collaborations with global partners based on the company’s AI Pyramid strategy.Th
In the global electric vehicle (EV) market, the market share of South Korean battery manufacturers has fallen below 50%. China’s CATL, previously dominant only in the domestic market, is now matching LG Energy Solution in the global market outside China, enhancing its presence significantly.Accordin
Samsung Electronics’ stock price has been struggling to reach the 80,000-won (US$60.61) mark. On Jan. 9, the company concluded the market at 74,700 won, recording a decrease of 1,800 won, or 2.35%, compared to the previous day. Although Samsung Electronics briefly rose to 77,000 won in the early mar
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at jaemin.ahn@nhqv.com -- Ed.Although sales of NCSOFT’s TL have arrived sluggish, initial payment for the title should be reflected alongside its global release. Moving ahead, we expect NCSOFT to display a change in strategy
In the fourth quarter of last year, the annual performance of South Korea’s largest container shipping company HMM and bulk carrier operator Pan Ocean plummeted due to a slump in the shipping industry.According to financial information firm FnGuide on Jan. 8, the estimated performance consensus for
After facing performance setbacks last year, Amorepacific is aiming for a rebound in the U.S. market this year.A report released by Kiwoom Securities on Jan. 5 forecasts that Amorepacific’s revenue for this year will be 4.2177 trillion won, with operating profits expected to be 406.1 billion won.In
LG Electronics continued its strong performance in 2023, setting new records in sales for the third consecutive year and achieving significant growth. Notably, in the fourth quarter of 2023, its operating profit surged by an impressive 350.9% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating soli
Three mid-sized Korean-based automakers -- GM Korea, KG Mobility, and Renault Korea Motors -- exported eight out of every 10 units they sold last year, according to industry sources. These three companies, which exited the tunnel of losses by expanding exports, plan to solidify their rebound momentu
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at soohong.cho@nhqv.com -- Ed.Sales growth to slow at HMG in 2024In 2024, an earnings growth slowdown is largely expected for HMG. The company has set a global wholesale target of 7.443mn units (+1.9% y-y) and domestic sales
In India, where global corporations and investors are focusing their attention as the “next China,” Mirae Asset Global Investments is gaining influence in the local market by surpassing 1 trillion won in assets under management (AUM) with its exchange-traded funds (ETFs).According to the asset manag
The author is an analyst for Shinhan Securities. He can be reached at ldh@sinhan.com -- Ed.HD Hyundai Electric is expected to have earned sales of KRW844bn (+24% YoY) and operating profit of KRW100.9bn (+97% YoY) in 4Q23, beating consensus estimates by 6% and 14%, respectively. Operating margin like
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at pk.park@nhqv.com -- ed.Samsung Biologics should post healthy 4Q23 earnings. We attribute the firm’s recent share price rise to an easing of valuation burden (based on 2025F EV/EBITDA) and the potential for antibody market
SK hynix has embarked on strengthening its research and development (R&D) capabilities to enhance its high-performance NAND competitiveness by successively recruiting NAND flash memory experts from Intel with decades of experience.According to industry sources on Dec. 28, SK hynix America this month
Recent data indicates that the number of mid-sized companies playing a crucial role as the “backbone” of the domestic economy increased by nearly 100 last year. Both the total revenue and operating profit of mid-sized companies saw an increase of around 10% compared to the previous year, and investm
In response to the demand from individual investors for the introduction of a no-borrowing short selling monitoring system, securities-related agencies have indicated that it is practically challenging and proposed institutional investors to establish their own systems.During a forum hosted by the K
On Dec. 28, the integrated company Celltrion will be officially launched. Celltrion is taking steps to leap into a global big pharmaceutical firm by merging with Celltrion Healthcare, which is responsible for global distribution.Celltrion and Celltrion Healthcare announced on Dec. 27 that they are i
The United States is expanding its regulatory front to include Chinese-made general-purpose semiconductors, a development that is expected to benefit domestic memory semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. It is anticipated that the focus on NAND flash, where the technological
The South Korean government is considering applying antitrust regulations following abrupt price hikes by major content platforms such as YouTube and Netflix.A senior ruling party official stated in a media interview on Dec. 21, “A 40% hike in consumer prices at once is a kind of monopolistic abuse.
In the premium TV product line, Samsung Electronics’ market share in the Mini Light Emitting Diode (LED) TV market has significantly dropped this year. While Samsung, which had an overwhelming market share, experienced a decrease in shipments, Chinese companies like Hisense and TCL increased their s