[Market Focus] 'Profit Improvement Continues' APR Up 5.95%

Shares of APR are on the rise as both domestic and international cosmetics sales continue to grow rapidly, resulting in ongoing improvements in profitability.

As of 9:24 a.m. on July 7, APR was trading at 146,000 won, up 8,200 won (5.95%) from the previous trading day.

On this day, Shinhan Investment Corp. stated, "We have raised our target valuation (the stock price level relative to corporate value) due to an increase in profit levels," and adjusted its target price from 117,000 won to 170,000 won. The 'Buy' investment rating was also maintained.

Park Hyunjin, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., said, "The overwhelming growth in both domestic and international sales of the 'MediCube' cosmetics brand has led to an expansion in scale. Sales in the United States and Japan, among other countries, continue to show triple-digit growth. The increase in B2B (business-to-business) transactions is a notable factor in boosting margin rates."

She added, "There are no concerns about growth, but the significant rise in share price is a burden. A price adjustment may be necessary before the announcement of second-quarter results this year. However, in the mid- to long-term, this remains our top pick."