POSCO Holdings (PKX) profit slides in 2025 as it banks on 2026 lithium ramp
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
POSCO HOLDINGS INC. reports weaker 2025 results, with consolidated revenue of KRW 69.095 trillion versus KRW 72.688 trillion in 2024, a 5.0% decline. Operating profit fell to KRW 1.827 trillion from KRW 2.174 trillion, and net profit dropped to KRW 0.504 trillion from KRW 0.948 trillion, reflecting a 47.4% decrease.
Profit attributable to owners of the controlling company declined to KRW 0.658 trillion from KRW 1.095 trillion, while the operating margin eased from 3.0% to 2.6%. The company cites weak performance in rechargeable battery materials and construction despite a recovery in steel.
Net debt increased to KRW 12.900 trillion, and the net debt-to-equity ratio rose to 20.7%. Management expects 2026 profits to grow, supported by commercial-scale lithium production in Argentina and further sales of non-core and non-profit assets, alongside ongoing overseas steel and battery materials investments.
Positive
- The company generated KRW 1.8 trillion in cash from 73 portfolio projects completed in 2024–2025, and targets an additional KRW 1 trillion from 55 remaining assets between 2026 and 2028.
- Management expects 2026 profits to grow, supported by commercial-scale lithium production at POSCO-Argentina ramping to full operation from Q3 2026 and contributions from Australian mineral resource joint ventures.
Negative
- Consolidated revenue declined 5.0% year over year to KRW 69.095 trillion, while operating profit fell from KRW 2.174 trillion to KRW 1.827 trillion, and net profit decreased 47.4% to KRW 0.504 trillion.
- Profit attributable to owners of the controlling company dropped from KRW 1.095 trillion to KRW 0.658 trillion, and the operating margin narrowed from 3.0% to 2.6%, reflecting weaker profitability.
- Net debt increased from KRW 11.195 trillion to KRW 12.900 trillion, pushing the net debt-to-equity ratio up from 18.2% to 20.7%, indicating higher leverage.
Insights
2025 earnings and margins weakened, with leverage higher, while 2026 hinges on lithium ramp-up and asset sales.
POSCO HOLDINGS shows broad profit pressure in 2025: revenue slipped to
Leverage increased, with net debt rising to
The company frames 2026 as an earnings recovery year, underpinned by POSCO-Argentina’s commercial-scale lithium production, Australian mineral joint ventures, and continued CAPEX in steel and battery materials. Actual outcomes will depend on successful ramp-up to full lithium production from