[THE INVESTOR] The National Pension Service padded up its portfolio with auto, chemical and pharmaceutical stocks while offloading food and textile shares this year, data showed on July 10.

According to the latest financial industry data, of the companies in which the NPS holds 5 percent or more stake, 135 saw an increase during the first six months of the year. The figures are based on the NPS’ portfolio as of end-June.

Of these, 13 are in the automotive industry, 12 in chemicals, and 11 in pharmaceuticals.

Of the 13 auto industry firms, Hankook Tire Worldwide (6.07 percent), DY Power (5.15 percent), Woory Corp. (5.01 percent) and Hanon System (5.01 percent) were newly added to the list.

By stake, NPS held the largest stake in S&T Motiv with 13.65 percent, followed by Mando and Kumho Tire. The NPS holds 11.62 percent of Mando, and 10.05 percent in the tire maker.

While increasing its interest in the auto, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries, which are expected to see better-than-average conditions in the coming months, the NPS reduced its stake in 14 food industry companies, and in nine clothing and fabric-related companies.

Overall, the NPS reduced its stake in 123 companies.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)