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Sk Telecom (SKM)
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Sk Telecom (SKM) AI Stock Analysis

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SKM

Sk Telecom

(NYSE:SKM)

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Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$22.00
▲(2.37% Upside)
SK Telecom's overall score reflects strong operational efficiency and cash flow generation, but is weighed down by recent financial setbacks from a cybersecurity incident. The stock's valuation is reasonable, and growth in AI and 5G subscribers offers potential for recovery. However, technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, and the suspension of dividends is a concern for income-focused investors.
Positive Factors
AI Business Expansion
The significant growth in AI revenue indicates a strong strategic focus on AI, positioning SK Telecom to capitalize on future tech trends.
5G Subscriber Growth
Continued growth in 5G subscribers strengthens SK Telecom's market position in the telecommunications sector, ensuring future revenue streams.
AI Strategic Investment
The substantial investment in AI reflects a commitment to long-term growth and innovation, enhancing competitive advantage in emerging tech markets.
Negative Factors
Cybersecurity Incident Impact
The cybersecurity incident has severely impacted financial performance, highlighting vulnerabilities that could affect future profitability and trust.
Revenue Decline
The significant revenue decline suggests challenges in maintaining market share and competitiveness, potentially impacting long-term financial health.
Dividend Suspension
Suspension of dividends may affect investor confidence and indicates financial strain, impacting the company's attractiveness to income-focused investors.

Sk Telecom (SKM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Sk Telecom Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSK Telecom (SKM) is a leading South Korean telecommunications company that offers a wide range of services in the telecommunications sector, including mobile and fixed-line services, broadband internet, and digital media. The company is a pioneer in the development and deployment of advanced technologies such as 5G networks and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. In addition to its core telecom services, SK Telecom has diversified its offerings to include various digital services, entertainment content, and smart solutions for consumers and businesses.
How the Company Makes MoneySK Telecom generates revenue primarily through its mobile telecommunications services, which include voice and data plans for individual consumers and businesses. The company also earns significant income from broadband internet services and fixed-line telephony. Another key revenue stream is the sale of value-added services, such as content delivery, cloud services, and IoT solutions. SK Telecom has established partnerships with various technology companies and content providers, which enhance its service offerings and contribute to revenue growth. Additionally, the company monetizes its investments in new technologies, such as 5G and AI, through both direct service offerings and collaborative ventures with other firms in the tech ecosystem.

Sk Telecom Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Negative
The earnings call highlighted significant strides in the AI business and subscriber growth, yet these were overshadowed by severe financial setbacks due to a cybersecurity incident, resulting in a revenue decline, negative net income, and the suspension of dividends.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Growth in 5G Subscribers
The number of 5G subscribers increased by approximately 240,000 quarter-on-quarter to 17.26 million.
Expansion in AI Business
Revenue from the AI business achieved a 35.7% year-on-year increase, further expanding the foundation for mid- to long-term goals.
AI Data Center Revenue Growth
AI DC revenue posted KRW 149.8 billion, up 53.8% year-on-year, driven by the acquisition of the Pangyo data center and the award of the GPU leasing support program.
Launch of Air, a Digital Communication Service
SK Telecom launched Air, a digital communication service designed for unlock devices, aiming to broaden its mobile customer base.
Collaboration with Global Tech Firms
Signed a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI to jointly build an AI data center in Korea, positioning the company to capture new AI infrastructure opportunities.
Negative Updates
Significant Decline in Revenue
Consolidated revenue posted KRW 3,978.1 billion, a 12.2% decline year-on-year due to the cybersecurity incident and tariff discounts.
Dramatic Drop in Operating Income
Operating income dropped 90.9% year-on-year to KRW 48.4 billion, largely due to the financial impact of the cybersecurity incident.
Net Income Turned Negative
Net income turned negative due to penalties from the cybersecurity incident.
Suspension of Dividends
The company decided not to declare dividends for the third quarter due to financial performance deterioration.
Ongoing Financial Impact of Cybersecurity Incident
The company faces continued financial impact from the cybersecurity incident, affecting revenue and resulting in fines.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, SK Telecom reported a 12.2% year-on-year decline in consolidated revenue to KRW 3,978.1 billion, largely due to a cybersecurity incident and subsequent customer appreciation measures, including a 50% tariff discount that reduced M&A revenue by KRW 547.7 billion. Operating income plummeted by 90.9% year-on-year to KRW 48.4 billion, and net income turned negative, prompting the company to forgo dividends for the quarter. Despite these challenges, SK Telecom saw a quarter-on-quarter increase of 240,000 in 5G subscribers, totaling 17.26 million, and reported growth in broadband and IPTV subscribers. In its AI business, the company achieved a 35.7% year-on-year revenue increase, with AI DC revenue climbing 53.8% year-on-year to KRW 149.8 billion. The company also initiated new projects, such as the Ulsan AI data center, and expanded its AI service offerings, contributing to a 3.1% year-on-year increase in overall AI revenue to KRW 55.7 billion. Despite the financial setbacks, SK Telecom remains committed to restoring stability and resuming dividend payments in future quarters.

Sk Telecom Financial Statement Overview

Summary
SK Telecom exhibits strong operational efficiency and cash flow generation, with healthy EBIT and EBITDA margins. However, challenges in revenue growth and net profitability, along with a moderate balance sheet, indicate areas for improvement.
Income Statement
70
Positive
Sk Telecom's income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM gross profit margin is strong at 84.4%, indicating efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has decreased to 5.6% in the TTM, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability. Revenue growth has been negative in the TTM, suggesting potential market challenges or competitive pressures. Despite these issues, the EBIT and EBITDA margins remain healthy, indicating operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93 in the TTM, indicating manageable leverage. The return on equity has decreased to 8.6% in the TTM, suggesting reduced profitability for shareholders. The equity ratio is moderate, showing a balanced approach to financing through debt and equity.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a positive trend with a 13.6% growth in free cash flow in the TTM, indicating improved cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.73, demonstrating effective conversion of earnings into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also robust at 0.57, highlighting strong cash flow relative to net income.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue17.87T17.94T17.61T17.30T16.75T16.09T
Gross Profit14.91T12.79T12.74T12.44T12.11T11.70T
EBITDA5.28T5.16T5.09T4.96T5.06T4.98T
Net Income1.01T1.25T1.09T912.40B2.41T1.50T
Balance Sheet
Total Assets29.30T30.52T30.12T31.31T30.91T47.91T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.55T2.35T1.75T2.12T1.39T2.95T
Total Debt11.06T10.76T10.66T11.08T10.37T12.16T
Total Liabilities17.33T18.69T17.89T19.15T18.58T23.51T
Stockholders Equity11.85T11.70T10.99T11.32T11.58T23.74T
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.07T2.53T1.87T2.11T1.72T2.13T
Operating Cash Flow5.35T5.09T4.95T5.16T5.03T5.82T
Investing Cash Flow-2.04T-2.71T-3.35T-2.81T-3.49T-4.25T
Financing Cash Flow-2.51T-1.81T-2.02T-1.35T-2.05T-1.46T

Sk Telecom Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price21.49
Price Trends
50DMA
21.43
Negative
100DMA
21.95
Negative
200DMA
21.71
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.38
Positive
RSI
28.47
Positive
STOCH
6.66
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SKM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 21.49 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.97, above the 50-day MA of 21.43, and below the 200-day MA of 21.71, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.38 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 28.47 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 6.66 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SKM.

Sk Telecom Risk Analysis

Sk Telecom disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Sk Telecom reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Sk Telecom Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
$19.67B18.508.36%5.07%-3.16%4.70%
$20.71B15.2215.54%6.37%-5.21%-7.45%
$8.05B13.775.22%3.21%-1.56%-18.33%
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
$7.70B19.115.01%-8.16%-51.97%
$26.93B-6.27-7.17%4.35%0.89%-494.16%
$24.19B-9.58-3.55%6.71%-4.73%-251.31%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SKM
Sk Telecom
20.10
-2.61
-11.49%
KT
KT
18.49
2.84
18.15%
TLK
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk
20.19
3.65
22.07%
VIV
Telefonica Brasil
12.20
3.51
40.39%
TEF
Telefonica
4.23
-0.21
-4.73%
VOD
Vodafone
11.20
2.23
24.86%

Sk Telecom Corporate Events

SK Telecom Halts Q3 2025 Dividend Distribution Amid Business Changes
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, SK Telecom announced its decision not to distribute cash dividends for the third quarter of 2025. This decision was influenced by the company’s operational results and changes in the business environment. Despite this, SK Telecom remains committed to enhancing shareholder and corporate value, with plans to focus on future improvements in cash flow and financial conditions.

SK Telecom Reports Significant Decline in Q3 2025 Financial Results
Oct 30, 2025

SK Telecom has released its preliminary financial results for the third quarter of 2025, showing a significant decline in operating revenue and income compared to the previous quarter and the same period last year. The company’s operating revenue decreased by 8.31% from the previous quarter and 12.23% year-over-year, while operating income dropped by 85.68% compared to the previous quarter. These results may impact SK Telecom’s market positioning and investor confidence as they reflect challenges in maintaining profitability.

SK Telecom to Discuss Q3 2025 Earnings in Upcoming Conference Call
Oct 23, 2025

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. announced it will hold a conference call on October 30, 2025, to discuss its third-quarter earnings results. The call, aimed at investors and analysts, will include a Q&A session and will be accessible via real-time webcasting on the company’s investor relations website. This event is part of SK Telecom’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and engage with stakeholders regarding its financial performance.

SK Telecom Unveils Ambitious AI Strategy with Major Investment
Sep 25, 2025

On September 25, 2025, SK Telecom announced a strategic restructuring to enhance its AI business capabilities, launching an AI ‘Company-in-Company’ unit. The company plans to invest a cumulative Won 5 trillion over the next five years, aiming for AI-related revenue of Won 5 trillion or more by 2030. This move reflects SK Telecom’s commitment to strengthening its position in the AI sector and adapting to developments in the AI market and business environment.

SK Telecom Reports Stable Operations and Subsidiary Changes in 2025
Sep 11, 2025

In its semi-annual business report for the period ending June 30, 2025, SK Telecom announced that it has 19 consolidated subsidiaries, following the exclusion of NATE Communications Corporation and SK m&service Co., Ltd. The company continues to maintain a strong position in the telecommunications sector, with a stable credit rating of AAA for its corporate bonds, reflecting its robust financial health and market stability.

SK Telecom Reports Decline in Q2 2025 Financial Results
Aug 6, 2025

On August 6, 2025, SK Telecom released its preliminary financial results for the second quarter of 2025, indicating a decline in key financial metrics compared to both the previous quarter and the same period last year. The company’s operating revenue decreased by 2.58% from the first quarter of 2025 and by 1.89% year-over-year. Operating income and profit from continuing operations before income tax also saw significant declines of 40.38% and 52.67%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2025. These results highlight challenges in maintaining profitability and may impact stakeholder confidence.

SK Telecom Schedules Q2 2025 Earnings Call for August 6
Jul 30, 2025

SK Telecom announced it will hold a conference call on August 6, 2025, to discuss its second-quarter earnings results for 2025. This event will provide investors and analysts with insights into the company’s financial performance and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder confidence.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 30, 2025