Chassis, a South Korean automotive parts manufacturer, experienced dramatic stock surges during African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in September 2019 and November 2023, according to Korea Exchange data. The rallies were driven by its subsidiary Nelbiotech, which produces disinfectants effective against ASF. Despite its core business being unrelated to animal health, Chassis has become a recurring 'theme stock' during ASF outbreaks in Korean markets.
Chassis Stocks Surged 260% in Six Days During September 2019 ASF Outbreak
According to Korea Exchange data, Chassis stock traded around 7,000 won (adjusted price) in mid-September 2019. After South Korea's first domestic ASF outbreak was confirmed on September 17, 2019, the stock hit its daily limit-up and continued surging for six consecutive trading days, reaching an intraday high of 25,355 won. This represented more than a threefold increase within approximately two weeks and marked the highest level since the company's 1999 KOSPI listing. Buying interest concentrated on companies expected to benefit from disinfection and alternative food sectors following the September 17 ASF confirmation.
Nelbiotech Subsidiary Produces ASF-Effective Disinfectants
Chasis holds equity in Nelbiotech, a company specializing in manufacturing and selling animal pharmaceuticals including antibiotics and disinfectants. According to Nelbiotech's website, the company produces 'Farm Clean Gold,' a virucidal disinfectant with killing effects against foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza (AI), and African Swine Fever, as well as 'Anyclean,' a broad-spectrum disinfectant. The company also sells antibacterial and antibiotic products for pigs and other animal pharmaceuticals. Market analysts noted that nationwide disinfection operations were inevitable to combat ASF, which has a fatality rate of up to 100% and is known as 'swine black death,' directing attention to Nelbiotech's parent company Chassis.
Stock Declined After 2019 Peak and Rallied Again in November 2023
After peaking in the 25,000 won range, Chassis stock quickly retraced gains, falling to the 14,000 won range by the end of 2019 and further declining to the 9,000 won range the following year. The stock continued its downward trajectory, falling to the low 4,000 won range in April 2023. When ASF cases continued to occur domestically in 2023, the stock regained momentum, recording a 100% price increase in November 2023 alone and reaching an intraday high of 16,325 won. However, this rally also quickly reversed due to reliance on thematic momentum, and the stock subsequently entered a gradual decline. As of the article date, the stock trades in the mid-3,000 won range.
Chassis Core Business Manufactures Automotive Suspension Parts
Chasis produces suspension components that serve as the central framework of automobiles. Specifically, the company manufactures rear axles, which function as the rear wheel axis, and cross members, which support the vehicle body, supplying these parts to finished car manufacturers. The majority of the company's revenue comes from automotive parts. The company's core business has no connection to epidemics or vaccines.
FAQ
What caused Chassis stock to surge in September 2019?
Chasis stock surged after South Korea confirmed its first domestic African Swine Fever outbreak on September 17, 2019. The stock jumped from around 7,000 won to an intraday high of 25,355 won within six trading days due to market attention on its subsidiary Nelbiotech, which produces ASF-effective disinfectants.
What products does Nelbiotech produce?
According to Nelbiotech's website, the company produces 'Farm Clean Gold,' a virucidal disinfectant effective against foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and African Swine Fever, as well as 'Anyclean,' a broad-spectrum disinfectant. The company also sells antibacterial and antibiotic products for pigs and other animal pharmaceuticals.
What is Chassis's main business?
Chasis manufactures automotive suspension components including rear axles and cross members, which it supplies to finished car manufacturers. The majority of the company's revenue comes from automotive parts, and its core business has no connection to epidemics or vaccines.
