Kia sets U.S. sales record and Nomura keeps Kia stock at Buy
Published on 10/02/2026 at 15:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Kia set a U.S. sales record while Nomura kept its Buy rating on Kia stock. WOWKTV reported on October 1, 2026, that Kia America sold 77,009 vehicles in September, up 18.00 percent year over year. On September 14, 2026, MarketScreener reported that Nomura cut its target from KRW 250,000 to KRW 220,000 while keeping its Buy rating.
U.S. demand sets a record
Kia's third-quarter U.S. sales reached 236,659 vehicles, an 8.00 percent increase from the previous year's third-quarter record, according to Yonhap on October 2, 2026. September retail sales totaled 70,429 vehicles, up 19.00 percent, adding evidence that the gain extended beyond fleet deliveries.
The product mix matters because Kia identified sport utility vehicles and hybrid models as key drivers of the U.S. performance. The sales result gives the company a volume cushion as it expands electric and commercial-vehicle offerings in North America and Europe.
Revenue grows as profit pressure persists
Kia's second-quarter 2026 revenue rose 12.60 percent year over year to KRW 33.0 trillion, while operating profit reached KRW 2.63 trillion, according to ATS View. Operating profit fell 4.90 percent from the year-earlier quarter, leaving an 8.00 percent operating margin.
That split is the central investor issue: Kia is delivering double-digit revenue growth, but the operating result is not keeping pace. Nomura's KRW 220,000 target, reduced from KRW 250,000, reflects the tension between resilient vehicle demand and pressure on profitability.
KRX quote and valuation snapshot
Kia was last at KRW 112,900.00 on the KRX on October 2, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. KST, down 0.35 percent from KRW 113,300.00. Its market capitalization was KRW 43.9 trillion, while the 52-week range stood at KRW 100,100.00 to KRW 212,500.00.
Kia Corporation stock facts
- Company: Kia Corporation
- ISIN: KR7000270009
- Ticker: 000270.KS
- Primary exchange: KRX
- Primary exchange quote as of October 2, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. KST: KRW 112,900.00
- Change versus prior close: minus 0.35 percent
- Prior close: KRW 113,300.00
- Market capitalization: KRW 43.9 trillion as of October 2, 2026
- 52-week range: KRW 100,100.00-KRW 212,500.00 as of October 2, 2026
- Sector / Industry: Consumer Discretionary / Auto and Truck Manufacturers
