LG Electronics’ annual operating profit in 2018 will hike 28 percent from last year to 3.16 trillion won, said Hana Financial Investment on Oct. 26 maintaining a “buy” recommendation.
Despite a challenging environment, new growth categories of home appliance sales were strong and it managed to improve profits through premium TVs. For further growth in profits next year, though, loss-making sectors need to rebound. Its vehicle components unit will be able to turn to black next year, reflecting earnings from ZKW. By the year-end the unit’s backlog order amount will reach 40 trillion won, said analyst Kim Rok-ho.
He however lowered the operating profit estimates for both this year and next by 2 percent and the target price to 108,000 won (US$94.85) from 115,000 won.