Hybe shares jump on earnings outlook

Shares of Hybe, the company behind K-pop supergroup BTS, surged 10% on Friday as investors weighed an upbeat third-quarter earnings outlook fueled by global concerts.

Third-quarter revenue expected to double

Hybe's third-quarter revenue is expected to reach one point five trillion won, up one hundred six percent from a year earlier, according to local brokerage firm iM Securities.

Concert revenue nearly triples

Concert revenue is expected to come in at seven hundred seventeen billion won, nearly tripling from a year earlier, driven by BTS' ongoing world tour and expanding newer acts.

BTS tour and newer acts drive attendance

BTS' world tour featured sixteen stadium shows in North America and eight in Europe during the third quarter. Expanding tours by Enhypen, Katseye and Cortis helped drive concert attendance to nearly three million.

Western markets drive international growth

Western markets accounted for more than seventy percent of total concert attendance for the first time, reflecting Hybe's growing international reach as newer artistes expand in North America and Europe.

Margins expected to hold despite costs

While higher royalty payments and initial touring costs for newer groups will weigh on margins, iM Securities forecasts Hybe to maintain a double-digit operating margin, supported by BTS' world tour scale.

“stadium-scale operating leverage can more than offset the higher cost base associated with concerts”

Newer acts key to reducing BTS reliance

Katseye and Cortis profitability in Western markets will likely be key to reducing Hybe's reliance on BTS. Cortis sells around six hundred thousand albums per month, while Katseye expands its overseas presence.