"The Worst Is Over" POSCO Holdings Expected to Improve in Q1... Hyundai Mobis to Showcase Humanoid Strengths at CES [Zootopia]

[Financial News] On the morning of January 5, we summarize key reports from major securities firms.
POSCO Holdings is expected to miss Q4 consensus, but performance is projected to improve from Q1, with operating profit forecast to rise 53.6% quarter-on-quarter. For Hyundai Mobis, analysts expect its humanoid competitiveness to be firmly recognized in the market following the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with mid- to long-term performance improvements anticipated.
◆POSCO Holdings (005490)― Hana Securities / Researcher Park Seong-bong
- Target Price: Not Provided
- Investment Opinion: Not Provided
Hana Securities forecasts POSCO Holdings' Q4 operating profit at 404.3 billion KRW, below the consensus of 523.1 billion KRW, but expects performance to improve from Q1 this year. Researcher Park Seong-bong explained that due to weak domestic steel demand and plant maintenance, Q4 steel sales volume was limited to 8 million tons, and raw material input costs rose by about 10,000 KRW per ton. However, starting in Q1, the imposition of provisional tariffs on Chinese and Japanese Hot Rolled Steel (HR), along with price increases for automotive and shipbuilding products, is likely to slightly widen the steel spread. Accordingly, Q1 operating profit is projected at 621 billion KRW, up 9.2% year-on-year and 53.6% quarter-on-quarter.※Steel SpreadThe difference between product sales price and raw material purchase cost, serving as a key indicator of a steelmaker's profitability.※Hot Rolled Steel (HR)Short for hot-rolled steel plate, this refers to steel products made by pressing hot steel into thin sheets. Widely used in automobiles, shipbuilding, and construction.
◆Hyundai Mobis (012330)― KB Securities / Researcher Kim Ji-yoon
- Target Price: 500,000 KRW (Upgraded from previous 400,000 KRW)
- Investment Opinion: Buy
KB Securities raised Hyundai Mobis' target price to 500,000 KRW, stating that the company's humanoid competitiveness will be firmly recognized in the market following the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Researcher Kim Ji-yoon noted that if Hyundai Motor Group mass-produces 30,000 humanoids annually, Hyundai Mobis' annual operating profit could increase by 122.1 billion KRW, and if production expands to 1 million units, an additional 2.6 trillion KRW in annual operating profit is possible. Hyundai Mobis is also likely to become the leading supplier of actuators, a core component of humanoids, for Hyundai Motor Group. The company's capabilities in component development and mass production, along with ample investment capacity, were highlighted as key investment points.※HumanoidA robot resembling a human, capable of walking on two legs, moving its limbs, and performing tasks like a person using artificial intelligence.※ActuatorA device that converts electrical signals into mechanical movement, functioning as joints for robots. It is a key component that enables humanoid robots to walk and grasp objects.

sms@fnnews.com Seong Min-seo Reporter