In a move closely watched by investors across the globe, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) announced on February 10, 2026, that Hyundai Construction and Samsung Epios Holdings would be newly included in the influential MSCI Korea Index. This quarterly review, which also saw the exclusion of Coway, Doosan Bobcat, and LG Household & Health Care, has triggered a wave of anticipation and speculation about the potential impact on South Korea’s equity markets and the companies involved.
The MSCI Korea Index, recognized as one of the world’s most significant equity benchmarks, is a critical barometer for international investors. Index inclusion or exclusion can have immediate and substantial effects, as billions in global passive funds track these benchmarks. When a company joins the MSCI Korea Index, it often sees a surge of passive investment inflows from funds that mirror the index’s composition. Conversely, companies dropped from the index typically experience outflows as these same funds rebalance their holdings. For Samsung Epios Holdings, this is more than just a technical adjustment—it could mark a turning point in its post-spin-off journey.
Samsung Epios Holdings, which separated from Samsung Biologics in November 2025, had initially suffered from passive fund outflows, leading to a dip in its share price and reduced foreign investor participation. According to Yonhap Infomax, the foreign ownership of Samsung Epios Holdings stood at just 6.09%, roughly half the level seen in its former parent, Samsung Biologics. The upcoming index rebalancing, set for after market close on February 27, 2026, is expected to reverse this trend, potentially stabilizing the stock and attracting renewed interest from global investors.
MSCI’s decision-making process for index inclusion is rooted in strict criteria, primarily focusing on market capitalization and the free float ratio. For Samsung Epios Holdings, the key hurdle was the free float ratio—a measure of shares available for trading by the public. Kim Dong-young, an analyst at Samsung Securities, explained, “Samsung Epios Holdings’ market cap exceeds the threshold, but the free float ratio is the variable. If the same 25% standard applied to Samsung Biologics is used, Samsung Epios Holdings should clear the hurdle and remain in the index.” The quarterly reviews, held each February, May, August, and November, ensure that the index reflects evolving market dynamics and company fundamentals.
The latest review reduced the total number of constituents in the MSCI Korea Index from 82 to 81, a result of the simultaneous inclusion and exclusion of companies. This adjustment, while seemingly minor on the surface, underscores the volatility and rapid thematic shifts that have characterized the Korean stock market in recent months. “The KOSPI has surged, and as a result, the themes attracting investor attention have shifted quickly. This has led to more volatility in index changes than in previous years,” noted Kim Dong-young.
For Samsung Epios Holdings, the timing of this inclusion could not be more fortuitous. The company stands to benefit not only from increased visibility and fund inflows but also from a series of favorable developments in its core business. As reported by Pinpoint News and Seoul Economic TV, Samsung Epios’ operating company, Samsung Epios, is poised to capitalize on recent changes in the U.S. pharmaceutical market. The launch of 'TrumpRx' on February 10, 2026—a federal platform designed to lower prescription drug prices and promote biosimilars—has created a more favorable environment for companies like Samsung Epios, which boasts a robust biosimilar portfolio and established distribution channels in the United States.
'TrumpRx,' backed by the U.S. government, is not a direct sales platform but rather a price-comparison and coupon site that connects patients to affordable prescription drugs through partnerships with local and online pharmacies. A key feature is its emphasis on biosimilars—lower-cost alternatives to original biologic drugs. As part of a sweeping deal with 16 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, the Trump administration secured major price reductions in exchange for tariff exemptions, a move expected to cut average monthly drug costs in the U.S. by $149 to $350. Notably, high-profile obesity drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy will see their prices slashed from over $1,000 per month to just $199.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also playing its part, working to streamline biosimilar approvals and facilitate automatic substitution at the pharmacy level. This regulatory push, combined with the TrumpRx platform’s launch, is expected to accelerate the adoption of biosimilars, benefiting companies with a strong presence in the sector. According to industry observers cited by Infomax and other outlets, “The expansion of biosimilars as cost-effective alternatives is a policy priority for the U.S. government, creating a favorable environment for Samsung Epios, which already has a portfolio and distribution network in the U.S.”
Samsung Epios is not resting on its laurels. The company has ambitious plans to expand its biosimilar offerings, aiming to develop seven new blockbuster biosimilars as existing patents expire and to increase its total biosimilar product and pipeline count to 20 by 2030. This strategy is designed to ensure long-term growth and resilience, especially as the company navigates the structural changes brought about by its recent spin-off. CEO Kim Kyung-ah emphasized the company’s strengths at a recent press conference, stating, “The biosimilar approval guidelines are evolving rapidly, expanding the market. Our accumulated expertise in cost competitiveness and process development over 14 years will help us maintain our edge.”
Analysts argue that the combination of MSCI index inclusion and favorable U.S. market trends could create a “double momentum” for Samsung Epios Holdings. Passive fund inflows not only stabilize share prices but also improve the company’s capital-raising prospects, which is crucial as research and development costs are expected to rise. “Index inclusion can enhance visibility among global investors and support future fundraising or capital increases,” one industry insider told Infomax. This could, in turn, provide Samsung Epios with the financial flexibility needed to pursue aggressive R&D and further pipeline expansion.
Of course, the path forward is not without risks. The company must demonstrate that it can maintain profitability and operational stability without relying on one-time milestone payments. Effective cost management will be essential, particularly as the company adjusts to its new structure and the demands of a more competitive global market. Still, the broad consensus among analysts and industry insiders is that Samsung Epios Holdings is entering a promising new chapter.
As the dust settles from MSCI’s latest review and the world’s passive funds prepare to rebalance their holdings, all eyes will be on Samsung Epios Holdings. The coming weeks will reveal whether this index milestone and the shifting pharmaceutical landscape will translate into lasting gains for the company and its investors.