(LEAD) LG Electronics Q3 net profit up 53.7 pct on new businesses

LG Electronics reported a 53.7% increase in net profit for Q3, reaching 708.4 billion won, according to the company's latest financial report. The boost in earnings can be attributed to strong performance in its core home appliance and TV divisions, as well as growth in emerging areas like robotics and cooling solutions for AI data centers.

Operating profit followed suit, climbing 13.7% to 781.9 billion won, while sales grew 8.9% year-over-year to 23.82 trillion won. The company anticipates sales of 71.38 trillion won and operating profit of 4.03 trillion won for 2026, marking record highs. Despite a tough external environment, including the ongoing war in the Middle East, LG Electronics' core businesses continued to grow, while new ventures like robotics and AI data center cooling solutions played a crucial role in the overall expansion.

The company plans to capitalize on the strength of its core businesses to fuel future growth, particularly in AI data center cooling solutions and robotics. LG Electronics' robotics division has already started operations at South Korea's largest data factory. Meanwhile, its AI home solutions business is collaborating with global tech firms to create an ecosystem based on the latest IoT technologies.

In the fourth quarter, LG Electronics aims to boost growth through business-to-business operations, subscription services, and online sales. To mitigate external uncertainties, the company is diversifying its supply chain and enhancing operational efficiency.