LG Energy Solution vs Samsung SDI: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

LG Energy Solution Ltd (373220.KO)

Q3 202629 Jun – 13 Aug 2026

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LG Energy pivots to energy storage as EV demand slumps

Honda JV shifts from EVs to data-center batteries Honda is converting its Ohio joint-venture plant with LG from EV batteries to energy storage for AI data centers, and will buy out LG's stake for $2.5 billion. This reduces LG's role in the facility and signals weaker EV demand, weighing on the stock.
This is a major strategic shift that reduces LG's exposure to the growing ESS market at this plant and reflects broader EV weakness.
Q2 operating profit plunges 77% on weak EV demand LG reported a 77% year-on-year drop in second-quarter operating profit to 113 billion won, missing forecasts. Excluding US tax credits, it posted an operating loss. Sluggish EV battery sales and North American ESS assembly bottlenecks hurt results.
This is the key financial result that directly shows the earnings pressure on the company.
Patent lawsuit against EVE Energy protects LG's technology LG filed a patent infringement lawsuit and a US ITC 337 investigation against EVE Energy. If successful, this could limit a competitor's access to the US market and defend LG's battery technology and pricing power.
This legal action could strengthen LG's competitive position and is a new regulatory development.
ESS shipments surge and GM plant restarts LG's energy storage cell shipments jumped 357% year-on-year in the first half, nearing the global top ten. Meanwhile, its Ohio joint-venture plant with GM will resume production after a seven-month shutdown, easing supply constraints.
These two positive operational updates show growing demand for LG's ESS products and a recovery in production capacity.

July 202629 Jun – 13 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

LG Energy pivots to energy storage as EV demand slumps

Honda JV shifts from EVs to data-center batteries Honda is converting its Ohio joint-venture plant with LG from EV batteries to energy storage for AI data centers, and will buy out LG's stake for $2.5 billion. This reduces LG's role in the facility and signals weaker EV demand, weighing on the stock.
This is a major strategic shift that reduces LG's exposure to the growing ESS market at this plant and reflects broader EV weakness.
Q2 operating profit plunges 77% on weak EV demand LG reported a 77% year-on-year drop in second-quarter operating profit to 113 billion won, missing forecasts. Excluding US tax credits, it posted an operating loss. Sluggish EV battery sales and North American ESS assembly bottlenecks hurt results.
This is the key financial result that directly shows the earnings pressure on the company.
Patent lawsuit against EVE Energy protects LG's technology LG filed a patent infringement lawsuit and a US ITC 337 investigation against EVE Energy. If successful, this could limit a competitor's access to the US market and defend LG's battery technology and pricing power.
This legal action could strengthen LG's competitive position and is a new regulatory development.
ESS shipments surge and GM plant restarts LG's energy storage cell shipments jumped 357% year-on-year in the first half, nearing the global top ten. Meanwhile, its Ohio joint-venture plant with GM will resume production after a seven-month shutdown, easing supply constraints.
These two positive operational updates show growing demand for LG's ESS products and a recovery in production capacity.

Latest29 Jun – 13 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

LG Energy pivots to energy storage as EV demand slumps

Honda JV shifts from EVs to data-center batteries Honda is converting its Ohio joint-venture plant with LG from EV batteries to energy storage for AI data centers, and will buy out LG's stake for $2.5 billion. This reduces LG's role in the facility and signals weaker EV demand, weighing on the stock.
This is a major strategic shift that reduces LG's exposure to the growing ESS market at this plant and reflects broader EV weakness.
Q2 operating profit plunges 77% on weak EV demand LG reported a 77% year-on-year drop in second-quarter operating profit to 113 billion won, missing forecasts. Excluding US tax credits, it posted an operating loss. Sluggish EV battery sales and North American ESS assembly bottlenecks hurt results.
This is the key financial result that directly shows the earnings pressure on the company.
Patent lawsuit against EVE Energy protects LG's technology LG filed a patent infringement lawsuit and a US ITC 337 investigation against EVE Energy. If successful, this could limit a competitor's access to the US market and defend LG's battery technology and pricing power.
This legal action could strengthen LG's competitive position and is a new regulatory development.
ESS shipments surge and GM plant restarts LG's energy storage cell shipments jumped 357% year-on-year in the first half, nearing the global top ten. Meanwhile, its Ohio joint-venture plant with GM will resume production after a seven-month shutdown, easing supply constraints.
These two positive operational updates show growing demand for LG's ESS products and a recovery in production capacity.

Samsung SDI (006400.KO)

Q3 202625 Jun – 11 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Samsung SDI expands US battery reach, buys out GM JV, invests in next-gen tech

US production partnership with Forge Nano Samsung SDI will help build a 3 GWh battery plant in North Carolina and has a conditional contract to buy cells from 2028. It also becomes an authorized distributor of Samsung SDI cells in the US, opening a new sales channel and boosting future demand.
This is a new US production and distribution deal that directly expands Samsung SDI's customer base and long-term revenue potential.
Samsung Group's $90B investment includes 9 trillion won for Samsung SDI Samsung SDI will invest 9 trillion won by 2040 in next-generation battery production and R&D in Cheonan. This long-term capital commitment supports technology leadership and capacity growth, which can lift future earnings and investor confidence.
It shows a major, concrete capital commitment from the parent group that strengthens Samsung SDI's long-term growth outlook.
Samsung SDI buys GM's stake in Indiana battery plant Samsung SDI will acquire GM's 49.99% share, making the plant wholly owned. This gives Samsung SDI full control to serve multiple markets like energy storage and EVs, and it keeps a GM partnership for next-gen prismatic batteries. The move shows flexibility amid slower EV demand.
It is a major ownership change that increases Samsung SDI's control and strategic options, directly affecting its capital structure and market position.
Japan's solid-state battery push adds competitive pressure Japan approved $660 million in subsidies for solid-state battery projects, with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan targeting commercialization around 2030. Japanese firms hold 37% of global solid-state patents. This raises the risk that Samsung SDI falls behind in next-gen battery technology.
It highlights a real competitive threat in next-generation batteries that could weaken Samsung SDI's long-term market position.

July 202625 Jun – 11 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Samsung SDI expands US battery reach, buys out GM JV, invests in next-gen tech

US production partnership with Forge Nano Samsung SDI will help build a 3 GWh battery plant in North Carolina and has a conditional contract to buy cells from 2028. It also becomes an authorized distributor of Samsung SDI cells in the US, opening a new sales channel and boosting future demand.
This is a new US production and distribution deal that directly expands Samsung SDI's customer base and long-term revenue potential.
Samsung Group's $90B investment includes 9 trillion won for Samsung SDI Samsung SDI will invest 9 trillion won by 2040 in next-generation battery production and R&D in Cheonan. This long-term capital commitment supports technology leadership and capacity growth, which can lift future earnings and investor confidence.
It shows a major, concrete capital commitment from the parent group that strengthens Samsung SDI's long-term growth outlook.
Samsung SDI buys GM's stake in Indiana battery plant Samsung SDI will acquire GM's 49.99% share, making the plant wholly owned. This gives Samsung SDI full control to serve multiple markets like energy storage and EVs, and it keeps a GM partnership for next-gen prismatic batteries. The move shows flexibility amid slower EV demand.
It is a major ownership change that increases Samsung SDI's control and strategic options, directly affecting its capital structure and market position.
Japan's solid-state battery push adds competitive pressure Japan approved $660 million in subsidies for solid-state battery projects, with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan targeting commercialization around 2030. Japanese firms hold 37% of global solid-state patents. This raises the risk that Samsung SDI falls behind in next-gen battery technology.
It highlights a real competitive threat in next-generation batteries that could weaken Samsung SDI's long-term market position.

Latest25 Jun – 11 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Samsung SDI expands US battery reach, buys out GM JV, invests in next-gen tech

US production partnership with Forge Nano Samsung SDI will help build a 3 GWh battery plant in North Carolina and has a conditional contract to buy cells from 2028. It also becomes an authorized distributor of Samsung SDI cells in the US, opening a new sales channel and boosting future demand.
This is a new US production and distribution deal that directly expands Samsung SDI's customer base and long-term revenue potential.
Samsung Group's $90B investment includes 9 trillion won for Samsung SDI Samsung SDI will invest 9 trillion won by 2040 in next-generation battery production and R&D in Cheonan. This long-term capital commitment supports technology leadership and capacity growth, which can lift future earnings and investor confidence.
It shows a major, concrete capital commitment from the parent group that strengthens Samsung SDI's long-term growth outlook.
Samsung SDI buys GM's stake in Indiana battery plant Samsung SDI will acquire GM's 49.99% share, making the plant wholly owned. This gives Samsung SDI full control to serve multiple markets like energy storage and EVs, and it keeps a GM partnership for next-gen prismatic batteries. The move shows flexibility amid slower EV demand.
It is a major ownership change that increases Samsung SDI's control and strategic options, directly affecting its capital structure and market position.
Japan's solid-state battery push adds competitive pressure Japan approved $660 million in subsidies for solid-state battery projects, with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan targeting commercialization around 2030. Japanese firms hold 37% of global solid-state patents. This raises the risk that Samsung SDI falls behind in next-gen battery technology.
It highlights a real competitive threat in next-generation batteries that could weaken Samsung SDI's long-term market position.