[Market Focus] Pharmaresearch Surges Over 6% on Outlook for Continued Strong Earnings

On the morning of January 8, Pharmaresearch shares surged by more than 6% in early trading. The positive earnings outlook from securities firms appears to have boosted investor sentiment.

As of 9:36 a.m. on the KOSDAQ market, Pharmaresearch shares were trading at 459,000 won, up 6.13% from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 448,000 won and at one point during the session climbed as high as 463,000 won.

On this day, LS Securities projected that Pharmaresearch would continue its sales growth this year, following robust performance in the fourth quarter of last year. Analyst Cho Eunae stated, "We estimate that Pharmaresearch's sales in the fourth quarter of last year increased by 51% year-on-year to 155.9 billion won, with operating profit rising by 93% to 65 billion won." She added, "Domestic sales are expected to post record-high quarterly revenue, driven by the peak season effect and an all-time high in demand for skin procedure tourism by foreign visitors." The target share price was maintained at 700,000 won.

She further noted, "This year, sales are expected to reach 710 billion won, up 29% from the previous year, and operating profit is projected to increase by 32% to 299.5 billion won. On a quarterly basis, sales growth is also expected to continue compared to the previous quarter." Regarding first-quarter results in particular, she explained, "In the U.S. market, awareness of the medical device 'Rejuran' is expanding into the cosmetics category, making sales growth possible across both B2B and B2C channels. Considering deferred orders from European partners, expanded supply of 'Rejuvenex' through pharmacy channels, and the effects of TV advertising, strong growth compared to the previous quarter is also expected in the first quarter."