With 2.43 trillion won revenue and 180.1 billion operating profit, it beat earnings expectations, bolstered by strong copper prices and solid performance of LS-Nikko Copper. In addition to rising copper prices, demand for electricity cables and communications lines in the US continues to grow, boosting the profits of affiliates. Despite the recent rebound, its stock price is 40 percent lower than its net asset value, said analyst Kim Dong-yang. 

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)