LG Chem posts operating loss in Q4 but logs 35% profit jump for 2025

By Kim Dong Young Posted : January 29, 2026, 17:22 Updated : January 29, 2026, 17:22
LG Chem headquarters in Yeouido Seoul Yonhap
LG Chem headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul/ Yonhap
 
SEOUL, January 29 (AJP) - South Korea's largest chemical company LG Chem swung to an operating loss in the fourth quarter as its petrochemical and battery materials divisions struggled, though full-year operating profit surged 35 percent on improved performance at its energy solutions subsidiary.

The company reported a consolidated operating loss of 413.3 billion won ($289.7 million) for the October to December period, reversing from a 680 billion won profit in the prior quarter. Revenue came in at 11.2 trillion won, largely flat from the third quarter but down 8.8 percent from a year earlier.

For full-year 2025, operating profit jumped 35 percent to 1.18 trillion won on revenue of 45.93 trillion won, down 5.7 percent on year. The improvement was driven primarily by LG Energy Solution, which posted operating profit of 1.35 trillion won, more than double the 575 billion won recorded in 2024.

"We maintained positive cash flow by advancing our business portfolio, exercising strict capital expenditure discipline, and monetizing assets amid challenging market conditions," said Cha Dong-seok, LG's chief financial officer.

The petrochemicals division recorded an operating loss of 239 billion won in the fourth quarter, weighed down by narrowing spreads from regional capacity additions and one-time costs at overseas operations. The advanced materials unit also turned to a 50 billion won loss as battery materials customers adjusted year-end inventories and electronics demand entered a seasonal lull.

LG Chem set its 2026 revenue target at 23 trillion won excluding LG Energy Solution, down from 23.8 trillion won in 2025, reflecting continued headwinds in the petrochemical sector from China-driven oversupply. The company plans to reduce losses through cost cuts and expansion into high-value-added products.

Shares of LG Chem closed 2.97 percent lower at 343,500 won on Thursday.
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기