Fine M Tech, a Hinge Manufacturer, Surges 70% This Month
Reflecting Strong Samsung Sales and Expectations for Apple's Market Entry
Shares of component manufacturers related to foldable phones are showing strong performance amid expectations for foldable devices from Samsung Electronics and Apple.
According to the Korea Exchange on July 23, Fine M Tech closed at 11,630 won the previous day, marking a 77.02% increase compared to the end of last month. During the same period, BH surged by 35.18%, while Innox Advanced Materials and KH Vatec rose by 28.48% and 21.52%, respectively, as foldable-related stocks recorded high growth rates.
This upward trend is interpreted as reflecting the recent strong sales of Samsung Electronics' new foldable phones and expectations for Apple's entry into the market. Samsung's foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, recorded 1.04 million units sold during the domestic pre-order period from July 15 to 21. This surpasses the previous record of 1.02 million units set by the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5. In addition, Apple is expected to officially enter the foldable phone market starting next year.
Fine M Tech, considered a beneficiary stock, specializes in foldable phone internal hinges. The company also manufactures smartphone components and electric vehicle battery parts. Han Jeyoon, a researcher at KB Securities, said, "We highly value Fine M Tech's potential to supply backplates to a North American smartphone manufacturer," adding, "The North American smartphone manufacturer currently sources display panels through Fine M Tech's client, and this structure is likely to remain even if the company enters the foldable market in the future."
KH Vatec, which produces external hinges, is also expected to benefit. Yang Seungsu, a researcher at Meritz Securities, said, "Expectations for new foldable products from domestic clients are resurfacing after some time," and predicted, "In the mid- to long-term, structural growth expectations for the foldable market will act as a positive momentum for share prices."
Innox Advanced Materials, a manufacturer of PI protective films used in foldable phones, is also regarded as a beneficiary. The company supplies products to Samsung Display (SDC) and others. Kim Unho, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, said, "Profitability in 2025 is expected to improve compared to 2024," and added, "The effect of new foldable products is anticipated."
BH is also expected to benefit from Apple's foldable phone in the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) segment. Ko Euiyoung, a researcher at iM Securities, said, "SDC is the exclusive supplier of internal displays for foldable iPhones, and BH is estimated to be the de facto exclusive FPCB supplier within SDC," adding, "FPCB sales for foldable iPhones are projected at 195 billion won in 2026 and 501 billion won in 2027."
Park Kangho, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said, "The foldable phone market is expected to enter a full-fledged growth phase, driven by an increased share for Samsung Electronics and Chinese smartphone manufacturers, as well as Apple's participation in 2026."
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