[Click eStock] "SK Confirms Value-Up Commitment... Earnings Expected to Recover"

On the 20th, Hana Securities analyzed SK, stating that "it is likely to maintain a high shareholder return rate this year as well," and that "the performance of SK Innovation and unlisted subsidiaries is also positive." The investment opinion 'Buy' and the target price of 200,000 KRW were maintained.

SK's consolidated Q4 results showed sales of 29.8 trillion KRW, a decrease of 8.9% compared to the same period last year, and an operating loss of 450 billion KRW. This was due to the deteriorating performance of overseas subsidiaries in the battery and chemical sectors.

However, Hana Securities expects that SK Innovation, which performed poorly last year, will see improved profitability in its energy business starting this year due to the inclusion effect of E&S and the rise in the standard market price (SMP) of electricity. Additionally, the performance improvement trend of major unlisted subsidiaries is expected to continue. SK Siltron is anticipated to sustain increased silicon wafer sales due to growing AI demand and acquisition of new customers. The Materials company-internal independent corporation (CIC) continues to diversify its high value-added product portfolio, and Pharmteco is making proactive facility acquisitions and improving operational efficiency in response to the expanding demand in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) market.

Earlier, SK resolved a dividend of 7,000 KRW per share, a 40% increase compared to the previous year, by pre-reflecting the profit from the sale of SK Specialty, expected to be completed in June this year, in this year's dividends. Analyst Choi Jung-wook stated, "Although there were market concerns about shareholder returns due to the poor performance of subsidiaries, SK is clearly demonstrating its commitment to enhancing corporate value by actively reflecting asset sale profits in dividends as planned," and judged that "at least the current level of shareholder return rate can be maintained."