Top Traders Scoop Up Samsung Electronics, Take Profits on SK hynix

The stocks most net-bought by high-return investors trading through Mirae Asset Securities on Tuesday morning were Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Samsung SDI, in that order.

According to Mirae Asset Securities, the stock most heavily bought by "stock masters" — the top 1% of the brokerage's trading clients by investment return over the past month — through 11 a.m. was Samsung Electronics.

Samsung Electronics was trading at 286,500 won as of 11 a.m., down 3.21% from the previous session. Despite reporting preliminary second-quarter revenue of 171 trillion won and operating profit of 89.4 trillion won the previous day, the stock extended its decline for a second consecutive day, which is interpreted as drawing in bargain-hunting demand.

Kiwoom Securities lowered its target price for Samsung Electronics to 390,000 won from 430,000 won on the day, while maintaining a "buy" rating. "Samsung Electronics' stock has risen based on earnings per share (EPS) growth so far, but in the second half, EPS growth will slow significantly, and volatility will widen depending on changes in the memory industry," said Park Yu-ak, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.

By contrast, SK hynix (000660.KS) topped the net selling list. At the same time, SK hynix was trading at 2.24 million won, up 1.77% from the previous session, suggesting profit-taking took place. Daishin Securities raised its target price for SK hynix to 3.9 million won on the day. It forecast that the planned listing of American depositary receipts (ADRs) on the U.S. Nasdaq on the 10th of this month would improve access for global investors and quickly resolve the valuation discount relative to competitors. Reflecting rising memory prices in the second half and expanding demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), the firm raised its earnings estimates and said it also expects the possibility of expanded shareholder returns.

Hyosung Heavy Industries ranked second in net buying. At the same time, Hyosung Heavy Industries was trading at 2.759 million won, down 4.93% from the previous session. "Expanding orders for extra-high-voltage (EHV) transformers in North America and increased U.S. transmission and distribution grid investment will drive earnings growth," said Lee Min-jae, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Corp. "From the second half of this year, the effects of the Changwon and Memphis plant expansions will begin in earnest, and new orders this year will far exceed those of last year."

Samsung SDI ranked third in net buying. Samsung SDI was trading at 418,000 won at the same time, down 6.07% from the previous session. "Intensifying price competition in the global prismatic battery market and shifts in customer portfolios will lead to continued declines in EV battery sales," said Jung Kyung-hee, an analyst at LS Securities. "Even with growth in the energy storage system (ESS) market, it will be difficult to fully offset the weakness in the EV segment."

The top net-sold stocks on the day were SK hynix, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Hanwha Ocean. In the previous session, net buying was highest for Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, while the top net-sold stocks were Doosan, Samsung Electronics preferred shares, and SKC.

Mirae Asset Securities compiles the trading of investors ranked in the top 1% by return over the past month among its clients and discloses the data on its mobile trading system (MTS) on a real-time, previous-day, and recent five-day basis. The statistics are simple informational guidance unrelated to Mirae Asset Securities' investment opinions and do not guarantee investment or returns suited to individual investors. Investors should also be cautious, as theme-related stocks carry the risk of abnormal price swings.