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  • Samsung Biologics posts 30% jump in second-quarter revenue
    Samsung Biologics posts 30% jump in second-quarter revenue SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics reported a 30 percent rise in second-quarter revenue to 1.32 trillion won ($894 million), lifted by full utilization of its first four plants and a favorable won-dollar exchange rate, the South Korean contract drugmaker said. According to regulatory filings released Thursday, operating profit climbed 23 percent from a year earlier to 586.4 billion won. The robust growth came despite the company's first-ever full walkout, a five-day strike from May 1 that halted some production batches after a parts-handling unit downed tools days earlier, choking the supply of raw materials. Samsung Biologics had estimated related losses at about 150 billion won. Shrugging off that disruption, the company said it expects to reach the upper end of its full-year 2026 revenue growth guidance of 15 percent to 20 percent, citing an expanding contribution from the fifth plant and the Rockville facility alongside the currency tailwind. The firm said it would open a European sales office in the Netherlands during the third quarter, adding to bases in New Jersey and Tokyo, and pointed to its acquisition of peptide specialist PolyPeptide Group and a secured site for a third bio campus as it pushes beyond antibody drugs into mRNA and antibody-drug conjugates. 2026-07-23 08:11:06
  • Samsung Biologics Reports Q2 Revenue of 1.32 Trillion Won and Operating Profit of 586.4 Billion Won
    Samsung Biologics Reports Q2 Revenue of 1.32 Trillion Won and Operating Profit of 586.4 Billion Won 삼성바이오로직스가 2분기 1조3000억원대의 매출을 기록하며 시장의 예상치에 부합하는 견고한 성장세를 이어갔다. 삼성바이오로직스는 2분기 매출 1조 3209억원, 영업이익 5864억원을 기록했다고 23일 공시했다. 2분기 매출과 영업이익은 전년 동기 대비 각각 30%, 23% 증가했다. 삼성바이오로직스는 1~4공장의 풀가동 효과와 우호적인 환율 영향으로 전년 동기 대비 두 자릿수 성장률을 기록했다. 영업이익률은 5공장과 미국 록빌 생산시설의 본격적인 매출 인식 전임에도 40%대를 유지하며 높은 수익성을 입증했다. 일부 배치 생산 차질이 있었으나 신규 시설의 매출 기여 확대가 이를 상쇄한 것으로 분석된다. 삼성바이오로직스는 올해 연간 매출 증가율 전망치(전년 대비 15~20%)의 상단 달성이 가능할 것으로 내다봤다. 5공장과 미국 록빌 생산시설의 매출 기여가 확대되고 환율이 우호적으로 작용한 데 따른 것이다. 재무건전성도 양호한 수준을 유지했다. 2분기 말 기준 자산은 12조6526억원, 자본은 8조3619억원, 부채는 4조2907억원으로 부채비율 51.3%, 차입금 비율 11.5%를 기록했다. 삼성바이오로직스는 위탁생산(CMO) 및 위탁개발(CDO) 전 분야에서 수주 활동을 지속하고 있다. 회사 측에 따르면 창립 이래 누적 수주는 CMO 115건, CDO 176건이며, 누적 수주 총액은 217억 달러에 달한다. 글로벌 거점 확대에도 속도를 내고 있다. 3분기 내 네덜란드에 유럽 세일즈 오피스를 개소할 계획으로 2023년 미국 뉴저지, 2025년 일본 도쿄에 이어 2026년 네덜란드 암스테르담까지 영업망을 확보하게 된다. 이를 통해 미국·유럽·일본·아태지역 등 글로벌 바이오의약품 3대 시장을 아우르는 영업 인프라를 구축한다는 전략이다. 삼성바이오로직스는 사업 영역 확장에도 공을 들이고 있다. 최근 글로벌 펩타이드 CDMO 기업인 폴리펩타이드 그룹과 인수 계약을 체결했다. 인수 금액은 약 2조7000억원(14억6000만 스위스프랑)으로, 국내 제약·바이오 업계 M&A 가운데 사상 최대 규모다. 삼성바이오로직스는 항체의약품 중심의 주력 사업 외에도 mRNA, ADC(항체·약물접합체) 등 다양한 신규 모달리티 개발·생산 역량을 확보하는 한편, 고부가가치 신규 모달리티 생산시설 구축을 위한 제3바이오캠퍼스 부지도 확보한 상태다. 업계 관계자는 "글로벌 바이오시밀러 및 신규 항체 치료제 수요 증가로 CDMO 업계의 수주 잔고가 꾸준히 늘고 있다"며 "5~6공장 증설과 글로벌 M&A 효과를 본격적으로 반영하기 시작하면서 성장세를 이어갈 것"이라고 전망했다. 2026-07-23 08:08:00
  • KB Securities Maintains Samsung Electronics Target Price at 600,000 Won, Citing Google AI Benefits
    KB Securities Maintains Samsung Electronics Target Price at 600,000 Won, Citing Google AI Benefits KB Securities has identified Samsung Electronics as a major beneficiary of the expanding Google artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. The firm maintained its investment rating of 'Buy' and target price of 600,000 won.Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, stated, "With the planned expansion of HBM4 production in 2027 and the new HBM4E mass production set for the first half of 2028, structural constraints on general DRAM production capacity will be unavoidable for an extended period. We expect the memory supply shortage to worsen until 2028."KB Securities forecasts that the share of HBM in DRAM wafer production capacity will more than double from 15% this year to 34% next year. As most new DRAM production capacity will focus on HBM, memory prices are expected to rise by at least 30% in the third quarter, despite an increase in long-term supply agreements (LTA).The company's performance is also expected to show significant improvement. For the third quarter, revenue and operating profit are estimated to reach 209 trillion won and 110 trillion won, respectively, marking increases of 143% and 805% compared to the same period last year. Analysts anticipate a third consecutive earnings surprise.In particular, benefits from Google's increased investment in AI are expected. This year, Google's AI investments are projected to account for more than a quarter of the total AI investments by major U.S. tech companies.Kim noted, "Samsung's memory supply to Google is estimated to meet 50% of server memory demand and 80% of HBM demand. Samsung holds the top market share in memory supply to Google, making it the largest beneficiary of the Google AI ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 08:04:00
  • Second Quarter GDP Grows 0.6% Driven by Strong Semiconductor Exports
    Second Quarter GDP Grows 0.6% Driven by Strong Semiconductor Exports South Korea's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% in the second quarter, significantly exceeding expectations and continuing the growth trend established in the first quarter. This growth was bolstered by strong semiconductor exports.According to the Bank of Korea on July 23, the preliminary GDP growth rate for the second quarter increased by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter, far surpassing the forecast of 0.2%.Breaking down the second quarter growth by sector, private consumption rose by 0.4%, driven by increases in both goods (such as electronics) and services (including food and accommodation). Government consumption also saw a 0.2% increase, primarily due to spending on health insurance benefits.However, construction investment declined by 0.2% due to a decrease in civil engineering projects, while facility investment rose by 0.2%, supported by increased spending on machinery, particularly for semiconductor manufacturing.Exports increased by 1.4%, led by semiconductors, machinery, and equipment, while imports rose by 0.8%, driven by automobiles and machinery.In terms of contributions to the second quarter growth rate, net exports contributed 0.3 percentage points, a significant drop from 1.1 percentage points in the previous quarter. Domestic consumption contributed 0.3 percentage points, while private consumption added 0.2 percentage points. Both construction and facility investments recorded a contribution of 0.0 percentage points.By economic activity, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries saw a sharp decline of 7.1%, primarily in cultivation and fishing. The manufacturing sector grew by 1.2%, driven by increases in computers, electronics, optical instruments, and machinery.The electricity, gas, and water supply sector decreased by 1.3%, mainly due to declines in water supply and raw material recycling. The construction sector also fell by 1.9% due to a decrease in civil engineering projects. In contrast, the service sector grew by 1.1%, supported by retail, accommodation, food services, finance, insurance, and information and communication.Real gross domestic income (GDI) rose by 3.6%, significantly outpacing the real GDP growth rate of 0.6%. Compared to the same period last year, GDI increased by 15.6%, marking the largest growth since the first quarter of 1988, which saw a 16.4% increase. 2026-07-23 08:04:00
  • Samsung Declares Mainstreaming of Foldables at Galaxy Unpacked Event
    Samsung Declares 'Mainstreaming of Foldables' at Galaxy Unpacked Event Samsung Electronics has officially declared that the foldable smartphone market has entered a new phase of mainstream adoption. Noh Tae-moon, head of the Device Experience and Product Division, made this announcement during a press conference following the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in London on July 22. Samsung has introduced three models this year: the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences. Noh emphasized that this new lineup represents the highest level of completeness in the history of the Galaxy Z series. “Customers have different priorities, whether it’s content consumption, productivity, or portability and style,” Noh said. “We have reflected customer feedback to create a foldable lineup that caters to all these demands for the first time.” Noh highlighted that this year marks the first time Samsung is launching three completed foldable models simultaneously. He stated that the Fold8 is expected to attract new demand, aiming for the highest sales of any foldable series to date. One of the standout features of the new products is the introduction of 'Flex Titanium,' a technology that combines a lattice structure, ultra-thin processing, and heat treatment to create a foldable design that is both thinner and more durable. Noh noted that while titanium is lightweight and strong, it has been challenging to apply to repeatedly folding displays. The result is the thinnest and lightest foldable device yet, with reduced screen creases and enhanced durability. Regarding the entry of competitors like Apple into the foldable market, Noh viewed it as an opportunity for market expansion. “The foldable market is maturing both technologically and commercially,” he said. “The entry of more companies signifies that foldables are becoming mainstream, which will further grow the market.” He added that Samsung's seven years of accumulated customer insights and user experiences since launching the first foldable in 2019 provide a competitive edge that cannot be easily replicated. Noh expressed confidence that as competition intensifies, Samsung will continue to set new standards and maintain its leadership position. Noh also predicted that the future of mobile competition will center around artificial intelligence (AI) rather than hardware. “AI is becoming an essential infrastructure that everyone uses,” he said. “People want practical assistance rather than just learning about AI.” He noted that the next standard will be 'agentic AI' that performs necessary tasks on behalf of users, with a goal of providing Galaxy AI to 800 million users by the end of the year. Samsung's strength lies in its extensive device ecosystem, which connects smartphones, watches, TVs, and home appliances into a unified AI experience. Noh stated, “The future of AI competitiveness will depend on how deeply we understand our users, rather than just how smart the technology is. No other company connects daily life through as many diverse devices as Samsung.” He emphasized a trust-based AI strategy, ensuring that sensitive personal data is processed within devices and that users can verify and choose how their data is utilized. Health is identified as a key area for AI application. The new Galaxy Watch analyzes sleep, recovery, activity levels, heart rate, and skin temperature, while the revamped Samsung Health expands its focus to include biometric management. Noh stated, “Samsung Health aims to shift the focus of healthcare from treatment to prevention, providing personalized health experiences by combining AI and digital health.” Noh hinted at potential collaborations with various AI companies, in addition to working with Google Gemini. He mentioned that Galaxy AI will maintain a hybrid strategy that combines its own Gauss model with external AI models, stating, “We will continue to expand collaborations with external AI if it provides the best user experience.” He reiterated the importance of the Korean market, noting, “Korea is where Galaxy began and is the market most receptive to new technologies. We will continue to meet domestic consumer expectations with competitive pricing and innovation that surpasses any other country globally.” 2026-07-23 08:04:00
  • President Yoon to Hold Major Real Estate Forum Today, Discussing Tax Increases
    President Yoon to Hold Major Real Estate Forum Today, Discussing Tax Increases President Yoon Suk Yeol will host a large-scale forum today with 140 participants, including citizens, experts, and key government officials, to discuss the direction of real estate policies, including housing supply, lending regulations, and tax reforms.According to the Blue House, the 'National Real Estate Policy Forum' will take place from 10 a.m. for 100 minutes.The forum is designed to gather diverse opinions, comprising 35 government officials, 30 experts, and 75 citizen participants.Notable government attendees include Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-duk, and Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-won.The government is expected to incorporate the forum's outcomes into a final tax reform proposal, which could be announced as early as the end of this month.The expert group includes market specialists such as professors and journalists, while the citizen representatives consist of YouTubers, members and administrators of real estate and parenting cafes, real estate agents, financial institution employees, and representatives from civic and youth organizations, along with 29 individuals who submitted opinions online.The forum will begin with a report on public opinion collected by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, followed by presentations of key issues from experts in supply, finance, and taxation. The discussions will also include insights from real estate forums held by various ministries from July 14 to 16 and thousands of public opinions received through an online platform over the past week.Previously, President Yoon highlighted key issues for discussion on social media, including appropriate levels of property tax, the relationship with transaction taxes, the use of property tax revenue, and the potential for differential taxation based on residency status and property value.During a Cabinet meeting on July 21, President Yoon emphasized that the real estate issue is one of the most serious challenges facing society.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 08:00:00
  • Trump Warns of Strikes on Iran Facilities Amid Ongoing Airstrikes
    Trump Warns of Strikes on Iran Facilities Amid Ongoing Airstrikes The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Iran for the twelfth consecutive day. On July 22, U.S. Central Command announced via social media platform X that, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, additional airstrikes targeting Iranian military positions were initiated under the direction of President Donald Trump. Central Command stated, "This operation aims to weaken Iran's military capabilities that threaten civilian mariners and commercial shipping in key maritime routes in the Middle East." Specific targets and damage assessments were not disclosed. The ongoing airstrikes are part of a sustained U.S. campaign against Iran, justified by the need to diminish Iranian military capabilities that pose threats to vessels in critical maritime areas, including the Strait of Hormuz. On the same day, President Trump warned that if Iran attacks vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would strike Iranian bridges and power plants. He added that facilities in Tehran and nearby areas could also be targeted, escalating military pressure on Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 07:52:00
  • Trump Warns of Strikes on Iran Facilities Amid Ongoing Airstrikes
    Trump Warns of Strikes on Iran Facilities Amid Ongoing Airstrikes The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Iran for the twelfth consecutive day. On July 22, U.S. Central Command announced via social media platform X that, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, additional airstrikes targeting Iranian military positions were initiated under the direction of President Donald Trump. Central Command stated, "This operation aims to weaken Iran's military capabilities that threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes in the Middle East." Specific targets and damage assessments were not disclosed. The ongoing airstrikes are part of a broader U.S. campaign to diminish Iran's military capabilities that pose threats to shipping in critical maritime areas, including the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump also warned that if Iran attacks vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would target Iranian bridges and power plants. He indicated that facilities in Tehran and nearby areas could also be potential targets, escalating military pressure on Iran.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 07:52:00
  • Oil Tanker Attacked Near Saudi Arabia, Houthi Claims Responsibility
    Oil Tanker Attacked Near Saudi Arabia, Houthi Claims Responsibility Amid rising tensions in the Middle East due to military clashes between the U.S. and Iran, an oil tanker was attacked in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia, resulting in a fire. The Iran-aligned Houthi rebel group claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers.According to Reuters on July 23, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles (about 130 kilometers) southwest of Al Shuqaiq in southwestern Saudi Arabia.The attacked vessel caught fire, and crew members are currently working to extinguish the flames. No casualties or marine pollution have been reported so far.The Houthis later claimed they conducted military operations against the Saudi tankers 'ENCELA' and 'LAYLIA,' stating that the vessels were targeted for violating a maritime blockade they had declared. However, UKMTO did not disclose the name of the attacked tanker, leaving it unclear whether it was one of the two vessels the Houthis claimed to have targeted. Saudi authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack.On July 20, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the blockade of Houthi-controlled ports and airports in Yemen and attacks on Sana'a airport.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 07:48:00
  • Concerns Rise Over Security Gaps Amid North Korea and Russia Movements
    Concerns Rise Over Security Gaps Amid North Korea and Russia Movements 북한의 군사분계선(MDL) 일대 전술도로 건설이 이어지는 가운데 우리 정부가 전국 10개 지역의 군사시설보호구역을 대규모 해제·완화했다. 여기에 중국·러시아 군용기 KADIZ 무단 진입과 미국 무인정찰기의 한반도 비행까지 겹치며 온라인에서는 안보 불안을 우려하는 목소리가 커지고 있다.Military Protection Zones Expanded Tenfold국방부는 최근 서울 용산·마포·은평구, 경기 평택·고양·시흥시, 강원 고성·속초, 세종시 등 전국 10개 지역의 군사시설보호구역과 비행안전구역 약 2916만㎡를 해제하거나 규제를 완화했다. 규모는 여의도 면적의 약 10배에 달한다.국방부는 군사작전에 영향이 없는 지역을 대상으로 주민 재산권을 보장하고 지역 개발을 활성화하기 위한 조치라고 설명했다. 이번 조치로 평택 고덕지구 후속 개발과 고양 테크노밸리, 서울 서북권 도시정비사업 등도 탄력을 받을 것으로 전망된다.North Korea Continues Tactical Road and Fence Expansion반면 북한은 군사분계선 일대 국경화 작업을 빠르게 진행하고 있는 것으로 확인됐다.군 당국과 전문가 분석에 따르면 북한은 불모화 작업과 함께 전술도로 약 70km, 철책 약 90km를 구축, 현재와 같은 속도라면 2~3년 안에 국경화 작업이 완료될 가능성이 제기된다.전문가들은 전술도로가 완성될 경우 병력과 장비 이동 능력이 크게 향상될 수 있다고 분석했다.Chinese and Russian Military Aircraft Enter KADIZ Without Notice앞서 지난 6월에는 중국과 러시아 군용기 10여 대가 사전 통보 없이 한국방공식별구역(KADIZ)에 진입해 약 4시간 동안 동해와 남해 상공에서 연합 공중훈련을 실시했다.합동참모본부는 우리 공군 전투기를 긴급 출격시켜 대응했으며 중국의 공중급유기와 조기경보통제기, 러시아 핵폭격기와 대잠초계기 등이 함께 투입된 것으로 알려졌다.전문가들은 중·러가 한반도 주변에서 연합 작전 능력을 과시하며 한미일을 압박하려는 의도가 담긴 훈련으로 해석하고 있다.U.S. Navy's Latest Drone Conducts 5-6 Hour Flight이와 함께 미국 해군의 최신 고고도 무인정찰기 MQ-4C '트라이튼(Triton)' 역시 지난 15일 경기 안산 상공으로 진입해 강원 홍천까지 약 5~6시간 동안 왕복 비행을 실시한 것이 확인됐다.트라이튼은 대당 약 3억 달러(약 4000억 원)에 달하는 미국의 전략 정찰자산으로, 과거 호르무즈 해협과 쿠바 상공에서도 운용된 바 있다.군사 전문가들은 이번 장시간 비행이 북한 관련 정보를 집중적으로 수집하기 위한 정찰 임무였을 가능성이 높다고 분석했다.Past Controversy Surrounding Minister Ahn Gyu-baek Resurfaces이 가운데 현재 국방부 장관인 안규백 장관의 과거 행보도 다시 회자되고 있다.안 장관은 국회의원이던 2022년 9월 한·미·일 대잠수함 연합훈련 일정을 공식 발표 전에 자신의 SNS에 공개해 당시 국방부로부터 "매우 유감"이라는 입장을 받은 바 있다.국방부는 당시 북한 SLBM 위협에 대응하기 위한 군사훈련에는 일정 수준의 보안이 필요하며 공식 발표 전 공개된 점을 문제 삼았다. 다만 해당 훈련은 예정대로 실시, 이후에도 한·미·일 연합 대잠훈련은 계속 이어졌다.Public Opinion: "The Situation in the Country is Alarming... Fear of War"이 같은 소식이 전해지자 온라인에서는 안보를 우려하는 목소리가 이어졌다.한 누리꾼은 "북한은 전면전보다 긴장을 유지하는 것이 더 이익이다. 러시아에 무기와 병력을 지원하며 경제적 이득을 얻고 있는 만큼 당장 전쟁 가능성은 낮지만 국지 도발과 군사 압박은 계속될 가능성이 높다"고 분석했다.또 다른 누리꾼들은 "전쟁이 안 난다고 해도 대비는 해야 하는 것 아니냐", "북한은 전술도로 깔고 있는데 우리는 군사보호구역부터 푸는 게 맞는지 모르겠다", "안보는 개발보다 우선해야 한다", "괜히 불안감만 커진다" 등의 반응을 보였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 07:44:00