0831 GMT - HYBE's 3Q operating profit will likely fall 42% on year, which would be 41% below analysts' consensus estimate, CGS International's Jiwoo Oh says, citing higher costs associated with rolling out new bands. The decline could weigh on the South Korean entertainment company's shares, presenting a buying opportunity, she says. Still, she remains bullish on HYBE as she projects it will report the strongest 2026 earnings-per-share growth among its peers. HYBE's K-pop band BTS is likely to return with a new song in 2026, which should be a strong share-price driver, she says. "We recommend investors to accumulate on weakness ahead of BTS's 2026 comeback," she says. CGSI maintains its add rating and KRW360,000 target on the stock. Shares closed 1.3% lower at KRW269,500. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 17, 2025 04:31 ET (08:31 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.