LG Electronics announced a modest net profit of KRW 226.4 billion (USD 206.38 million) for the second quarter of 2015, in an extremely challenging environment. In light of a sluggish global TV market and intense competitive pressures, overall second-quarter sales declined 7.6 percent from the same period last year to KRW 13.93 trillion (USD 12.69 billion). Although revenues remained at virtually the same level as the previous quarter, operating profits declined slightly to KRW 244.1 billion (USD 222.52 million). “While the second quarter was more challenging than expected – commented the company in a official note – LG is confident it can recover lost ground in the third quarter with new competitive products and more effective marketing initiatives”. Considering the different divisions, the LG Home Entertainment Company reported quarterly revenue of KRW 3.93 trillion (USD 3.59 billion) due to the weak global market for LCD TVs, most notably in the CIS, Latin America and Europe. Second-quarter operating margin declined from the previous quarter largely due to soft global demand and negative currency effects. The company expects the overall market to improve in future quarters primarily in the premium 4K Ultra HD segment, while it expands its OLED line with newer designs at more attractive price points. The LG Mobile Communications Company reported sales of KRW 3.65 trillion (USD 3.33 billion) in the second quarter, a slight increase of 1 percent from the same period last year. While LG’s global smartphone shipments of 14.1 million units reflected a modest 3 percent decline from the same period last year, North America revenues increased by 36 percent year-over-year due to better performance of mid-range smartphones and tablets. Although overall profitably was affected by weaker demand in the premium segment in the domestic Korean market, LG sold more than 8.1 million LTE smartphones worldwide in the quarter. “In the third quarter and beyond – the company explained – LG will more aggressively implement its dual strategy focusing on both premium devices as well as mid-range smartphones targeting emerging markets”.
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company reported sales of KRW 4.49 trillion (USD 4.09 billion), an increase of 10 percent from the previous quarter. Second-quarter operating profit of KRW 291.8 billion (USD 266 million) increased by 6 percent year-over-year as a result of better product offerings and improved cost structure. As macroeconomic conditions are not expected to improve in the near future, LG will step-up its focus on improving profitability in large part by introducing new air conditioning and home appliance products in North America and other developed markets.
Finally, the LG Vehicle Components Company recorded revenues of KRW 450.8 billion (USD 410.94 million) in the second quarter, an 18 percent increase from the previous quarter, mainly from its car infotainment and automotive component engineering business. Despite a modest operating loss of KRW 1.5 billion (USD 1.37 million), LG is accelerating its investment in R&D to further strengthen its position in new automotive technologies as the market for electric cars and electronic components continues to grow.
