After the Samsung Electronics–SK hynix rally, Hyundai Motor emerges as next No. 3 stock, with target price seen as high as 800,000 won

According to Financial News, Hyundai Motor Company, the third-largest stock by market capitalization, is emerging as the next leading candidate in the Korean equity market after the rally led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Analysts say the company should no longer be viewed as a simple automaker, but re-rated as a future growth stock that combines robotics and autonomous driving.
As of the 10th, according to the securities industry, KB Securities maintained its "Buy" rating on Hyundai Motor Company with a target price of 800,000 won. This implies about 60% upside from the closing price of 489,500 won on the 9th. Previously, Daol Investment & Securities and Samsung Securities had suggested target prices in the 700,000-won range, and the upper end is rising quickly.
At the heart of this upward revision in target prices is a shift in how the market values Hyundai Motor. The stock is being redefined from a previously undervalued value play into a future growth name centered on robotics and autonomous driving.
Kang Seong-jin, an analyst at KB Securities, assessed, "Hyundai Motor is transitioning from the category of a traditional large-cap value stock into that of a future growth stock." He went on to say, "Among non-Chinese robotics-related investment candidates, the investment appeal of Hyundai Motor Group is unrivaled."
The robotics strategy, in particular, is drawing market attention. The securities industry expects the global humanoid robot market to grow to 9.6 million units annually by 2035, and views Hyundai Motor Group as presenting the most realistic vision among non-Chinese players.
Hyundai Motor Group has already laid out a concrete roadmap. Starting with the launch of operations at its Robot Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) in 2026, it plans to deploy robots in logistics processes by 2028 and apply them to complete-vehicle assembly lines by 2030, achieving step-by-step commercialization. Compared with rivals that have stayed at the level of conceptual visions, this is seen as having a much higher likelihood of execution.
Its valuation also looks clearly attractive. The market capitalization of Hyundai Motor’s common shares stands at about 104 trillion won, and even at the group level, including Kia Corporation and Hyundai Mobis, it is only around 148 trillion won. By contrast, Tesla’s market capitalization exceeds 1,900 trillion won. Kang added, "Hyundai Motor’s plan to commercialize robotics is more realistic than Tesla’s."
There are concerns about short-term earnings, but the consensus is that the impact on the share price will be limited. KB Securities forecasts Hyundai Motor’s operating profit for the first quarter of this year at 2.6886 trillion won, about 7.7% below the market consensus.
However, this is attributed to a temporary slowdown in sales and cost factors, and is not seen as a sign of structural damage to competitiveness. On the contrary, analysts note that current profits are significant as a funding source for future business investments.
Brokerages are focusing on the possibility that this kind of structural change could lead to an expansion of market leaders within the Korean stock market. They say the leadership of the market could shift from semiconductors to sectors such as automobiles and robotics.
A securities industry official said, "After Samsung Electronics and SK hynix lift the index, it is typical for sector leadership to broaden in the next stage," adding, "Hyundai Motor is a prime candidate, as it combines solid earnings with a compelling future growth story."

dschoi@fnnews.com Choi Doo-seon Reporter