[Featured Stock] "Phase of Uncertainty Resolution"... HYBE Up 3.44%

The stock price of HYBE, which did not accept the demand of idol NewJeans for the return of former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, rose on the 26th. In the securities industry, an analysis report has emerged stating that the noise with former CEO Min is coming to an end, and attention should be paid to the resolution of uncertainty itself rather than NewJeans' future direction.

As of 9:14 a.m. on the same day, HYBE was trading at 165,200 KRW, up 5,500 KRW (3.44%) from the previous trading day.

NH Investment & Securities downgraded the target price for HYBE to 270,000 KRW but maintained a buy rating and the top pick status within the industry.

Researcher Lee Hwa-jung of NH Investment & Securities explained the target price downgrade by saying, "It is based on the worst-case scenario for a conservative approach. The earnings estimates were lowered by removing all assumptions related to NewJeans' future activities."

She added, "Since the noise lasted long, any outcome is positive for the stock price. We have entered a phase where uncertainty is resolved due to NewJeans' involvement, and it is time to focus on the upcoming earnings rebound and mid-to-long-term growth drivers." She also evaluated, "Earnings growth is expected with BTS's full-group comeback next year, and there are many positive factors such as Weverse monetization (subscriptions and advertising) and entering the monetization phase for rookie artists."

The researcher further noted, "The presence of artists is expanding in the Western market. BTS members Jimin and LE SSERAFIM each entered the Billboard Hot 100 for 9 weeks and 2 consecutive weeks, respectively. The U.S. girl group Cats Eye, which debuted last June, has been gaining traction globally including in the Western market with their released song ‘Touch’ since mid-last month."