Samsung SDI is the second-mover in LFP conversion for ESS, starting production this year after LG. It is outperforming as the next major beneficiary of ESS growth and AMPC benefits, with 20-30% upside based on three-year forward valuation on secured orders.
LG Energy Solution is the best-positioned large-cap cell maker because it was the fastest to convert to LFP for ESS, and its US production subsidies (AMPC) are doubling, leading to the largest EPS growth in the sector this year. ESS demand is structurally driven by energy security and grid needs, not just environmental policy.
POSCO Holdings benefits from rising lithium prices because it directly owns lithium brine and mines in South America. Lithium price strength is supported by robust demand and Chinese supply restrictions. It is the main domestic lithium beneficiary.
Hanjung NCS, which makes ESS cooling systems, is a small-cap beneficiary within the ESS theme. It was widely included in KOSDAQ secondary battery ETFs and continues to show strong momentum as ESS demand accelerates.
Albemarle (ALB) is a pure-play lithium miner with direct ownership of brine and hard-rock assets. The structural lithium upcycle (demand growth plus Chinese supply tightening) makes it a strong beneficiary, and its stock has been performing very well.