[Featured Stock] Taekwang Hits New High on Alaska LNG Development Hopes

Taekwang has reached a 52-week high. The expansion of U.S. LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports and expectations for development in Alaska are believed to have boosted investor sentiment.

As of 10:48 a.m. on the 4th, Taekwang was trading at 25,850 KRW, up 8.61% (2,050 KRW) from the previous close. During the session, the price surged to 27,000 KRW, setting a new 52-week high.

The rise in stock price is attributed to growing expectations for the LNG industry's growth in the U.S. Lee Dongheon, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., said, "The anticipated value this year lies in LNG, as Trump plans to build a 1,300 km natural gas pipeline from the northern tip of Alaska to an ice-free port," raising the target price from 18,000 KRW to 28,000 KRW.

Taekwang reported consolidated sales of 66.2 billion KRW in the fourth quarter of last year, down 7% year-on-year, while operating profit rose 29% to 9.7 billion KRW. The researcher noted, "Sales were somewhat delayed around the U.S. presidential election in November due to uncertainty, but recent sales have increased and were steady despite seasonal factors," adding, "Considering the structural growth of the LNG upstream industry and the pace of Trump's policies, growth over the next four years is guaranteed."