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LG Electronics’ Q3 2024 Performance: Record Revenue Amid Profit Pressure

General Report May 20, 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Record Third Quarter Revenue with Declining Profitability
  3. Growth Drivers: B2B and Home Appliances
  4. Headwinds: Logistics Costs, Market Demand, and New Business Hurdles
  5. Strategic Outlook: Subscription, D2C, and Shareholder Returns
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • In the third quarter of 2024, LG Electronics achieved a remarkable consolidated revenue of 22.18 trillion KRW, reflecting an impressive year-on-year increase of 10.7%. This marked not only the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history but also the continuation of a four-quarter streak of sales growth. However, despite this positive revenue trajectory, the company encountered significant challenges with its operating profit, which fell approximately 20.9% to 7.5 trillion KRW. Various factors contributed to this decline, including heightened logistics and marketing expenses, geopolitical tensions, and a slower-than-expected market demand recovery. The B2B solutions segment and the Home & Appliances (H&A) division, particularly the Changwon H&A hub, were key contributors to revenue growth during this period. Additionally, LG's newer business initiatives focusing on subscription services and direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels displayed potential but had yet to make a tangible impact on alleviating cost pressures. To navigate these challenges, LG is actively pursuing freight-rate negotiations, diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional client bases, and enhancing shareholder returns to ensure sustained profitability amid evolving market dynamics.

  • The year-on-year comparisons indicate that while Q3 2024's revenue growth is commendable, the drop in operating profit raises concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of this trend amidst increasing operational costs. The company's ability to maintain its competitive position has relied heavily on leveraging its strengths in the B2B sector and effectively penetrating the consumer electronics market. As LG continues to optimize its business strategies, including potential expansions into subscription services and D2C offerings, the overall market environment remains complicated. With significant logistical challenges, fluctuating demand, and the need for adaptive marketing strategies, the company must strike a balance between pursuing innovative growth avenues while managing financial pressures. In conclusion, LG Electronics' robust performance during Q3 2024 highlights its market resilience, but the operational hurdles it faces necessitate strategic recalibrations to translate revenue gains into sustainable profitability.

2. Record Third Quarter Revenue with Declining Profitability

  • 2-1. Consolidated Q3 2024 sales and profit figures

  • In the third quarter of 2024, LG Electronics reported consolidated revenue of 22.18 trillion KRW, an impressive 10.7% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. This figure marks the highest quarterly revenue in the company's history. However, despite this record revenue, LG Electronics faced a notable decline in operating profit, down approximately 20.9% to 7.5 trillion KRW. This decline highlights the pressures from rising logistics and marketing expenses, in addition to the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

  • The reported operating profit, although lower than the previous year, is significant as it stands as the fourth highest in terms of quarterly performance for LG Electronics. The company's strategy to streamline operations and optimize business models while focusing on B2B transactions was instrumental in achieving these results amid tough external conditions.

  • 2-2. Comparison with historical quarterly data

  • When comparing Q3 2024's performance with historical data, this revenue surge is notable, especially as it marks the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year revenue growth for the company. The previous high in revenue underscores LG's effective methodologies in capitalizing on favorable market segments, particularly within B2B solutions and consumer electronics. However, the substantial drop in profitability raises questions about the sustainability of these revenue gains amidst increasing operational costs and changing market dynamics.

  • For example, in the prior year, Q3 2023 featured a robust operating profit, which further emphasizes the challenge LG faces in maintaining profitability while striving for growth. The company's declining profitability can be attributed to external factors, such as fluctuating global logistics costs driven by geopolitical instability, which has affected supply chain dynamics across the industry.

  • 2-3. Extended streak of sales growth

  • The continuous growth in revenue over the past four quarters reflects LG Electronics' strategic initiatives, particularly in enhancing its portfolio and adapting to consumer demand. Notably, the company has been leveraging its strengths in B2B services and expanding its product offerings in home appliances. Additionally, initiatives targeting subscription-based services and direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels aim to diversify revenue streams, although these efforts had not yet fully compensated for increased logistical costs during the quarter.

  • Furthermore, market analysts have noted that LG’s ability to sustain its sales growth trajectory during economically challenging times underscores the brand's competitive positioning in the marketplace. Despite the challenges over profitability, the importance of cultivating continued sales growth cannot be overstated as it positions LG Electronics favorably in terms of market share and customer loyalty.

3. Growth Drivers: B2B and Home Appliances

  • 3-1. Role of B2B solutions in revenue expansion

  • In the third quarter of 2024, LG Electronics experienced a significant revenue boost attributed to its Business-to-Business (B2B) solutions. The company reported a consolidated revenue of 22.176 trillion KRW, up 10.7% year-on-year. B2B offerings, particularly in the areas of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), have emerged as a vital growth driver, supporting overall sales amidst challenging market conditions. Despite facing operational hurdles, the B2B segment capitalized on improved demand from corporate clients, driving notable sales increases and reinforcing LG's strategic position in the market.

  • 3-2. Performance of the H&A division

  • The Home Appliances (H&A) division played a crucial role in LG's revenue performance, contributing 8.337 trillion KRW in sales during Q3 2024—a 11.7% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This segment accounted for 38% of total company revenues and a remarkable 74% of operating profit, showcasing its significance to LG's financial health. The division's growth was primarily driven by strong demand for premium products, including washers and refrigerators, supported by innovative marketing strategies aimed at engaging consumers across diverse market segments. Furthermore, the success of the B2B HVAC business and the emerging home appliance subscription model have bolstered this division's performance, even amidst a volatile market.

  • 3-3. Impact of Changwon H&A operations

  • The Changwon hub, which specializes in home appliances, significantly impacted LG’s overall performance in Q3 2024. Despite an increase in logistics costs and subsequent operational challenges, this production facility has demonstrated resilience, achieving operational efficiencies through productivity enhancements and cost management initiatives. The H&A division's strategic focus on premium, volume, and subscription offerings has positioned it favorably in a competitive landscape, effectively overcoming external struggles—including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs. The Changwon facility's ability to adapt to changing market demands encapsulates LG's commitment to sustaining growth while navigating a complex global environment.

4. Headwinds: Logistics Costs, Market Demand, and New Business Hurdles

  • 4-1. Rising shipping rates amid geopolitical tensions

  • In the third quarter of 2024, LG Electronics faced significant pressures from rising logistics costs primarily due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. The company reported that increased shipping rates were a direct consequence of ongoing conflicts that affected the global supply chain. Following the announcement of heightened tariffs on imports from China in May 2024, there was a notable surge in demand to expedite international shipping, which only exacerbated the situation, resulting in increased freight costs. According to internal reports, LG was proactive in addressing these rising costs, engaging in negotiations with major freight companies to mitigate the impact on their financial performance.

  • 4-2. Delayed consumer demand recovery

  • The third quarter of 2024 also saw a disappointing delay in consumer demand recovery affecting LG Electronics' overall performance. Despite a year-on-year revenue increase of 10.7%, the operating profit fell by approximately 20.9% compared to the previous year. Analysts noted that this sluggish recovery can be attributed to a combination of prolonged economic uncertainty and consumer reluctance to invest in durable goods amid fluctuating market conditions. This uncertainty was compounded by competitive pressures within the electronics market, as competitors adapted to similar economic challenges. Consequently, LG's core electronic sales, particularly in home appliances and consumer electronics, encountered headwinds in maintaining the momentum of previous growth.

  • 4-3. Increased marketing and raw-material expenses

  • The increase in marketing and raw material costs further strained LG Electronics' profitability in the third quarter of 2024. The company's strategic push to enhance brand visibility and rapidly adapt to changes in consumer preferences resulted in elevated marketing expenditures. This was particularly visible in the H&A (Home & Appliances) division, as LG sought to capitalize on emerging consumer trends. Concurrently, the cost of materials necessary for manufacturing remained high due to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. These factors significantly influenced operational costs, detracting from the benefits gained from revenue growth and contributing to declining profit margins.

  • 4-4. Limited immediate impact of new business ventures

  • LG's new business initiatives, particularly in the realms of subscription models and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales, have yet to yield significant impacts on their overall financial performance. During the third quarter of 2024, these ventures were still in their infancy, showing potential for long-term success, yet failing to substantially contribute to immediate revenue or profit growth. Although LG Electronics has ambitious plans to drive revenue through these new avenues, including enhancing customer engagement through innovative services, the lag time in realizing these business models was evident in their quarterly results. Hence, while new initiatives are promising, there remains a pressing need to balance these ventures with stabilizing existing operations to ensure sustained profitability.

5. Strategic Outlook: Subscription, D2C, and Shareholder Returns

  • 5-1. Growth of subscription and D2C channels

  • As LG Electronics continues to evolve in the rapidly changing consumer electronics market, the growth of subscription models and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels has become a central strategy for the company. These channels are designed to not only diversify revenue streams but also to foster closer relationships with consumers, enhancing brand loyalty. In the Q3 2024 performance report, LG reported that their foray into subscription services and D2C sales has been promising, however, these initiatives are still in emerging stages and have not yet contributed significantly to mitigating profitability pressures resulting from high logistical costs and competitive marketing expenditures.

  • The company aims to expand its subscription services across various product lines, providing consumers with more flexibility and options. This approach is intended not only to boost recurring revenue but also to increase customer data insights, which can inform future product development and marketing strategies. LG's subscription offerings are expected to grow further post-2024 as investment in digital transformation and data analytics matures.

  • 5-2. Freight-rate negotiations with shipping lines

  • In light of increasing logistics costs that significantly impacted operating profit in 2024, LG Electronics is actively negotiating freight rates with shipping partners. These negotiations are critical, as elevated shipping expenses have been a significant hindrance to the company's profitability. LG has identified that the surge in global freight rates has strained its margins during the previous year, prompting the need for more favorable shipping contracts.

  • The strategy involves optimizing logistics partnerships to achieve better terms and reduce costs, which, if successful, would alleviate some of the financial pressures observed in recent quarters. The outcome of these negotiations will be essential for stabilizing costs and improving overall profitability, which is critical as LG targets growth in its B2B and consumer-facing sectors.

  • 5-3. Order backlog and long-term demand projections

  • LG Electronics currently possesses a robust order backlog, which stood at approximately 100 trillion KRW as reported in their Q3 2024 results. This backlog is indicative of strong underlying demand, especially in B2B sectors and home appliance business lines. The backlog provides a buffer against market volatility and assures a baseline revenue stream as these orders are fulfilled.

  • Looking ahead, demand projections remain optimistic, supported by ongoing market recovery post-pandemic and the anticipated growth in the smart home and automation segments. LG's strategic investments in innovation and product diversification are expected to position the company favorably to capture this growth, further enhancing its order book.

  • 5-4. Plans for enhanced shareholder yield

  • To maintain investor confidence and ensure sustainable growth, LG Electronics has announced plans aimed at enhancing shareholder returns. This follows their commitment to achieving a return on equity (ROE) of over 10% by 2027, which will be accomplished through improved capital efficiency and prioritization of higher-margin product lines.

  • The company has pledged to continue its efforts in shareholder returns through stock buybacks and dividend increases, which are expected to be crucial strategies in attracting and retaining investors. As outlined in their strategic plan, sustaining a competitive edge while simultaneously delivering value to shareholders remains a top priority as LG navigates the complexities of both domestic and global markets. Ensuring transparent communication regarding these strategies will be vital in fostering a dependable relationship with the investing community.

Conclusion

  • The performance of LG Electronics in Q3 2024 showcases a significant achievement in revenue generation driven by its core B2B and home appliances divisions. However, the simultaneous decline in profitability, exacerbated by structural cost pressures and slower-than-anticipated consumer demand recovery, presents a complex scenario for the company. To leverage its revenue growth into long-term financial health, LG must expedite efforts to diversify its portfolio, particularly emphasizing the development of subscription and D2C business models. Moreover, it is essential for the company to actively manage logistics and marketing expenditures through strategic partnerships, which may offer avenues for cost containment and efficiency improvement. As LG navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the importance of maintaining transparent communication with investors regarding its strategies and long-term projections cannot be overstated.

  • Looking ahead, LG’s plans to enhance shareholder returns and its robust order backlog create a promising foundation for its future growth. The anticipated recovery in demand and investment in innovation, particularly as the smart home sector, begins to flourish post-pandemic, positions LG Electronics advantageously. Its commitment to a return on equity (ROE) goal of over 10% by 2027 underscores the company's determination to deliver increased value to its shareholders. As LG pursues these strategic initiatives, consistent engagement with the marketplace and proactive management of financial objectives will be vital in securing its competitive standing and fostering long-term sustainability. The unfolding chapters in LG's journey will be closely monitored by stakeholders as the company adjusts its strategies in response to a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

Glossary

  • LG Electronics: A multinational electronics company based in South Korea, LG Electronics specializes in consumer electronics, home appliances, and B2B solutions. As of May 20, 2025, LG is focusing on diversifying its revenue streams, particularly through subscription models and direct-to-consumer channels.
  • Q3 2024: Refers to the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, covering the months of July to September 2024, during which LG Electronics reported a record-high revenue despite challenges in operating profit.
  • Revenue Growth: An increase in the sales revenue of a company over a specific period, which for LG Electronics was noted at 10.7% year-on-year in Q3 2024, reaching 22.18 trillion KRW.
  • Operating Profit: The profit a company makes from its ongoing operations, excluding expenses related to non-operating activities. In Q3 2024, LG's operating profit fell by approximately 20.9% due to rising logistics and marketing expenses.
  • B2B (Business-to-Business): A sector of commerce where products or services are sold directly from one business to another. LG's B2B solutions contributed significantly to its revenue growth in Q3 2024.
  • Home Appliances (H&A): A division of LG Electronics that focuses on manufacturing essential household equipment, such as refrigerators and washing machines. This division played a critical role in LG's revenue performance during Q3 2024.
  • Logistics Costs: Expenses related to the transportation and storage of goods, which have increased for LG Electronics due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the supply chain.
  • Market Demand: The consumer's willingness to purchase goods or services. In Q3 2024, LG faced delays in recovering market demand, which impacted its operating profit despite record revenue.
  • Subscription Service: A business model whereby customers pay a recurring fee to gain access to products or services. LG's foray into subscription models is seen as an emerging strategy to enhance revenue streams.
  • D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): A sales model where businesses sell directly to consumers rather than through third-party retailers. LG's D2C ventures are aimed at strengthening customer relationships and market presence.
  • Shareholder Returns: The total return on investment for shareholders, often realized through dividends or stock buybacks. LG Electronics has committed to enhancing shareholder returns as part of its financial strategy.
  • Geopolitical Risk: The risk associated with political or economic instability in specific regions, which can impact global operations and logistics costs. LG Electronics faced such risks affecting its supply chain during Q3 2024.
  • Marketing Expenses: Costs incurred by a company to promote its products or services. In Q3 2024, LG experienced increased marketing expenses, contributing to its decline in operating profit.
  • Changwon H&A: Refers to LG’s production facility located in Changwon, South Korea, that specializes in home appliances. This facility significantly contributed to LG’s performance in Q3 2024 despite challenges in logistics.

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