Profit jumps at POSCO (NYSE: PKX) unit despite 2025 sales dip

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

POSCO HOLDINGS INC. reported provisional 2025 separate financial results for its subsidiary POSCO, showing lower sales but sharply higher profits. Revenue was 35.01 trillion KRW in 2025 versus 37.56 trillion KRW in 2024, a 6.8% decline.

Despite this, operating profit rose to 1.78 trillion KRW from 1.47 trillion KRW, up 21.1%. Profit before income tax increased to 1.43 trillion KRW from 1.15 trillion KRW, and net profit improved to 1.14 trillion KRW from 0.90 trillion KRW, gains of 24.3% and 26.7% respectively.

Positive

• Margins improved sharply at POSCO’s subsidiary in 2025, with net profit rising to 1.14 trillion KRW from 0.90 trillion KRW, a 26.7% increase, even as revenue fell 6.8% to 35.01 trillion KRW.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Equity analyst – steel and industrials

POSCO’s core subsidiary grew 2025 profit over 25% despite lower revenue, signaling stronger margins.

The disclosure shows POSCO, a key subsidiary of POSCO HOLDINGS INC., generated 2025 revenue of 35.01 trillion KRW, down from 37.56 trillion KRW in 2024, a 6.8% decline. This suggests softer volume or pricing pressure in its markets.

However, operating profit rose to 1.78 trillion KRW from 1.47 trillion KRW, with profit before tax up to 1.43 trillion KRW and net profit to 1.14 trillion KRW. Year-on-year increases of 21.1%, 24.3% and 26.7% indicate better margins, likely from cost control or richer product mix.

Because these figures are provisional and on a separate-company basis for the subsidiary rather than consolidated, the full impact on POSCO HOLDINGS will depend on other group entities. Even so, the combination of lower sales and higher profit highlights improved efficiency in POSCO’s standalone operations for 2025.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15D-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of January, 2026

Commission File Number: 1-13368

POSCO HOLDINGS INC.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

POSCO Center, 440 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea, 06194

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ☒   Form 40-F ☐

Provisional Earnings in Separate Financial Statements Base

(Disclosure of POSCO HOLDINGS’ Subsidiary Company POSCO)

(In trillions of KRW)

				2025				2024				Changes over 2024 (%)
Revenue		Amount			35.01				37.56				-6.8	%
		Yearly Amount			—				—				—
Operating Profit		Amount			1.78				1.47				21.1	%
		Yearly Amount			—				—				—
Profit before Income Tax		Amount			1.43				1.15				24.3	%
		Yearly Amount			—				—				—
Profit		Amount			1.14				0.90				26.7	%
		Yearly Amount			—				—				—

* The above earnings information is prepared on a separate basis in accordance with K-IFRS (Korean International Financial Reporting Standards) and the independent auditors’ review is not finished. Therefore, the earnings information may change in the review process.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

				POSCO HOLDINGS INC.
				(Registrant)
Date: January 29, 2026				By		/s/ Han, Young Ah
						(Signature)
						Name: Han, Young Ah
						Title: Executive Vice President

FAQ

How did POSCO HOLDINGS (PKX) subsidiary POSCO perform in 2025?

POSCO, the key subsidiary of POSCO HOLDINGS, reported 2025 revenue of 35.01 trillion KRW and net profit of 1.14 trillion KRW. Revenue declined versus 2024, but profits increased strongly, reflecting improved margins and cost efficiency at the standalone subsidiary level.

How did POSCO’s 2025 revenue compare to 2024 for POSCO HOLDINGS (PKX)?

POSCO’s 2025 revenue was 35.01 trillion KRW, down from 37.56 trillion KRW in 2024, a 6.8% decline. This shows weaker top-line performance year over year, even though profitability metrics moved in the opposite, more favorable direction for the subsidiary.

Did POSCO HOLDINGS (PKX) report higher profits at subsidiary POSCO in 2025?

Yes. Operating profit at POSCO rose to 1.78 trillion KRW in 2025 from 1.47 trillion KRW in 2024. Net profit increased from 0.90 trillion KRW to 1.14 trillion KRW, gains of 21.1% and 26.7%, indicating stronger profitability despite lower revenue.

What happened to POSCO’s operating profit in 2025 for POSCO HOLDINGS (PKX)?

POSCO’s operating profit improved to 1.78 trillion KRW in 2025 versus 1.47 trillion KRW in 2024, a 21.1% increase. This suggests the subsidiary managed costs or product mix effectively, generating more profit from a smaller revenue base during the year.

Are the 2025 POSCO figures for POSCO HOLDINGS (PKX) consolidated results?

No. The numbers disclosed are provisional separate financial statement figures for the subsidiary POSCO itself. They do not represent full consolidated results for POSCO HOLDINGS INC., which also includes other entities that will affect group-level performance.