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POSCO(PKX) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 07:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q2 2025 reached KRW 17.6 trillion, with an operating profit of KRW 610 billion, marking growth for two consecutive quarters [3][9] - Operating profit margin improved from 3.9% to 5.7%, indicating a recovery in profitability [10][12] - EBITDA for the quarter was KRW 1.6 trillion, and cumulative CapEx for the first half was KRW 3.1 trillion [9][10] - Net debt decreased slightly quarter on quarter due to effective investment and working capital management [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Steel segment operating margin increased by 35.6% to KRW 610 billion, driven by improved mill margins from lower raw material costs [10][12] - The rechargeable battery materials segment faced increased deficits due to falling lithium prices and initial operational costs from new plants [10][22] - POSCO International showed robust performance in infrastructure, although overseas projects incurred additional costs leading to marginal decreases [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic market improvements contributed to the growth in mill margins, while overseas steel sales also increased quarter on quarter [4][10] - The lithium market is seen as opportune, with a recent joint investment in Argentina expected to generate significant synergies [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restructuring non-core assets and improving operational efficiency through AI and robotics [14][15] - Ongoing projects include the development of high-value-added steel products and the HiRX technology for long-term strategic growth [16][17] - The company is exploring opportunities in high-growth markets such as the U.S. and India, with plans for local production plants [84][85] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about sustaining profit levels into Q3 despite global tariff uncertainties [5][10] - The company is monitoring the potential decrease in Chinese steel production, which could positively impact profits in the second half [28][29] - Future profitability in the lithium segment is contingent on market conditions and cost management [70][71] Other Important Information - The sale of the POSCO Changjiegang Stainless Steel subsidiary is underway, which will be removed from consolidated accounts upon completion [6][12] - The company is committed to ongoing restructuring efforts, aiming to generate KRW 1 trillion in cash flow [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel market outlook and price negotiations - Management noted that while there are expectations of decreased production in China, domestic demand is increasing, which could positively impact profits [28][29] - Price negotiations in the automotive and shipbuilding sectors are ongoing, with expectations of slight upward adjustments due to anti-dumping tariffs [32][33] Question: Update on Indian joint venture and potential acquisitions - Discussions regarding the Indian joint venture are progressing, with environmental feasibility studies ongoing [34][35] - The company is exploring the acquisition of the Waiala steelmaker, focusing on mining opportunities and renewable energy [36][37] Question: Lithium market developments - Management anticipates a rebound in lithium prices, with expectations that prices will not fall below $8 [39][40] Question: Sales projections for U.S. and European markets - The company expects to maintain a small profit margin despite tariffs, with plans to explore other regions for sales [46][47] - The impact of anti-dumping tariffs on pricing strategies is being assessed, with a focus on maintaining competitiveness [48][49] Question: PZSS sale and product deficits - The sale of PZSS is progressing, with final details being negotiated, and management expects to cover losses through divestments [55][56] - Currently, there are few products recording deficits due to operational adjustments and facility shutdowns [58] Question: CapEx investment plans and potential losses - The CapEx investment plan remains unchanged, with no significant changes expected in the near term [77][78] - The company is confident in covering any potential EBITDA deficits through divestments and operational efficiencies [80][81]