KT (030200) Q1 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Consolidated revenue reached KRW 6,845.1bn in Q1 2025, up 2.9% YoY, driven by telco, real estate, and cloud/data center growth.

• Operating profit surged 36.0% YoY to KRW 688.8bn, supported by real estate sales and profitability initiatives.

• Net income attributable to controlling interests increased to KRW 566.8bn, up 44.2% YoY.

• The group operates across ICT, finance, satellite broadcasting, real estate, and other segments, with ICT contributing the largest share of revenue.

• Quarterly dividend of KRW 600 per share (+20% YoY) and a KRW 250bn share buyback and cancellation were announced.

Financial highlights

• Service revenue slightly declined by 0.4% YoY, while sale of goods rose 22.8% YoY.

• EBITDA grew 12.0% YoY to KRW 1,657.4bn, with margin improving to 24.2%.

• Total assets at Q1 2025 were KRW 42,185.6bn, with total equity of KRW 18,338.3bn.

• Basic EPS for Q1 2025 was KRW 2,196, up from KRW 1,524 in Q1 2024.

• Cash and cash equivalents at period end were KRW 3,133.0bn.

Outlook and guidance

• Launch of Korean AI model and KT SPC based on Microsoft partnership expected in June 2025.

• The company targets a threefold increase in AI/IT revenue share by 2028.

• Mid-term shareholder return policy includes a minimum annual dividend of KRW 1,960 per share and ongoing share buybacks.

• 2025 Q1 dividend set at KRW 600 per share, a 20% increase YoY.

• Ongoing execution of value-up plan, including non-core asset liquidation and streamlining low-margin businesses.