Core Insights - KT Corporation is transitioning from a traditional telecom company to an Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communications Technology (AICT) firm, aiming to enhance customer value through AI and IT integration [2][8] - The company reported a strong second-quarter performance with revenues increasing by 13.5% year over year to KRW 7,427.4 billion and operating profit rising by 105.4% to KRW 1,014.8 billion, driven by both traditional telecom and AI initiatives [3][4] Financial Performance - Revenues surged 13.5% year over year to KRW 7,427.4 billion, while operating profit increased by 105.4% to KRW 1,014.8 billion, reflecting strong operational execution and AI-driven growth [3] - Wireless service revenue grew by 1.6%, with 5G penetration reaching 79.5%, and AI IT business revenues rose by 13.8% year over year [4] AICT Strategy - KT is accelerating its AI pivot with the development of its proprietary Mi:dm2.0 large language model, which supports AI platform projects for enterprise and public sectors [5] - The company has partnered with Microsoft to integrate an AI agent into Genie TV and plans to introduce a tailored AI model powered by ChatGPT in the second half of 2025 [6] Cloud and Digital Transformation - KT Cloud experienced a 23% revenue increase due to rising demand for cloud infrastructure and digital transformation projects, with B2B revenues up by 4.5% [7] - The AICT strategy positions KT to capture opportunities in AI infrastructure and enterprise digital transformation [8] Market Position and Competition - KT's stock has declined approximately 5.7% over the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Wireless Non-US Markets growth of 20.6% [11] - The company faces competition from SK Telecom and LG Uplus, both of which are investing heavily in AI strategies [9][10] Valuation Metrics - KT stock is trading at a price/book multiple of 0.72X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.28X, indicating a substantial discount [16][18]

Core Viewpoint - KT Corporation's shares have declined approximately 13.5% over the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Wireless Non-US Markets growth of 10.6, despite strong underlying fundamentals and a strategic pivot towards Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communications Technology (AICT) [1][10]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, KT reported a revenue increase of 13.5% year over year, reaching KRW 7,427.4 billion, while operating profit more than doubled to KRW 1,014.8 billion, driven by robust performance in traditional telecom and AI initiatives [6][10]. - The AI IT business revenues grew by 13.8% year over year, and revenues from KT Cloud increased by 23%, reflecting strong data center momentum and project wins [11]. Strategic Transformation - KT is transitioning from a traditional telecom company to an AICT firm, integrating IT and AI with telecommunications to offer unique services [7]. - The company is developing a comprehensive AI lineup anchored by its proprietary Mi:dm2.0 large language model, with early contract wins from government and public sector entities [8]. - KT has partnered with Microsoft to enhance its AI capabilities, integrating an AI agent into Genie TV and planning to introduce a tailored AI model for Korea in the second half of 2025 [9]. Shareholder Returns - KT has a stable dividend policy and a KRW 1 trillion share buyback plan, with KRW 250 billion already completed, indicating strong confidence in future cash flow [13]. - The dividend for Q2 was raised by 20% year over year to KRW 600 per share, enhancing the appeal of KT shares to investors [13]. Valuation and Market Position - KT's stock is trading at a price/book multiple of 0.72X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.22X, indicating a potential undervaluation [18]. - Compared to peers, KT's stock performance has lagged, with SK Telecom down 6.1% and América Móvil gaining 23.3% over the same period [20]. Long-term Outlook - Despite recent stock declines, KT's solid financial performance, AICT transformation, and expanding partnerships position it for sustained long-term growth [21]. - The company's disciplined expense management and aggressive share buyback program are additional positives for potential investors [21].