SK Telecom (017670) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Consolidated revenue for Q1 2026 was KRW 4.3923 trillion, up 1.5% quarter-on-quarter but down 1.4% year-over-year, signaling a turnaround after subdued performance last year.

• Operating income reached KRW 537.6 billion, exceeding KRW 500 billion for the first time since Q1 2025, though down 5.3% year-over-year.

• Net income attributable to owners was KRW 316.4 billion, with a reinstated quarterly dividend of KRW 830 per share.

• Net handset subscriber additions totaled 210,000 in Q1, reflecting improved customer trust and business recovery.

• AI Data Center revenue surged 89.3% year-over-year, offsetting weaker mobile and cloud revenues.

Financial highlights

• Consolidated revenue: KRW 4.3923 trillion (+1.5% QoQ, -1.4% YoY), operating income: KRW 537.6 billion, net income: KRW 316.4 billion.

• Dividend per share for Q1 2026 set at KRW 830, with dividend payments resumed.

• CapEx for the quarter was KRW 136.5 billion, up 28.9% year-over-year but down 85.3% sequentially.

• SK Broadband revenue grew 3.2% year-over-year, with operating income up 21.4% year-over-year.

• Mobile service revenue increased 1.7% QoQ but declined 3.0% YoY.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year earnings expected to surpass pre-incident levels through telecom profitability recovery, AI data center expansion, and productivity enhancements.

• Shareholder return policy targets more than 50% of adjusted net profit for FY2024–2026.

• Dividend levels to be restored as earnings recover, with board decisions pending based on full-year performance.

• Plans to reinforce competitiveness across the AI Data Center value chain and expand infrastructure footprint.

• Full-scale entry into the AI B2B market, leveraging full-stack AI capabilities.