Can robotics pull LG Electronics out of slump?

LG Electronics posted a quarterly operating loss for the first time in nearly 10 years, as its TV, home appliance and other existing flagship businesses faced limits in their growth. The company said the downturn is temporary as it seeks to regain momentum through new businesses. Multiple industry officials said LG’s future hinges on robotics, noting that it is more critical than ever for the company to clearly define not only its technology road map but also its broader strategy for expanding its robot business. The company on Friday released its earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025, projecting sales of 23.85 trillion won ($16.35 billion) and an operating loss of 109.4 billion won. If the numbers are confirmed, LG Electronics will post a quarterly operating loss for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2016. Revenue increased 4.8 percent from a year earlier, but the company swung to an operating loss from an operating profit of 135.4 billion won in the fourth quarter of 2024. The estimated loss is far greater than brokerages’ consensus forecast of 8.4 billion won,