SK Innovation announced its second‑quarter results, reporting revenue of KRW 42.1 trillion and operating profit of KRW 4.8 trillion—up 39.9% and 22.48% respectively versus the same period last year. The semiconductor and artificial‑intelligence (AI) business segments continue to grow steadily; in particular, the company’s overall profitability has improved noticeably.
Researcher Lee Seung‑wook judged that SK had entered the final phase of its restructuring through asset sales, and analyzed that the overall growth trajectory for semiconductors and AI technology would continue into the mid‑term. He evaluated that operational efficiency improvements at SK Innovation were driving performance, and projected brand‑royalty (usage fee) revenue to rise from KRW 4.240 trillion this year to KRW 1.100 trillion next year and to KRW 1.600 trillion in 2028.
The quarterly dividends of SK Telcom and SK Hi‑nix, along with special dividends, fostered the inflow of capital into SK’s share buyback program and made the repurchase more attractive for shareholders. The researcher expects that share buybacks will expand starting next year.
SK Eco Plant recorded revenue of KRW 5.2 trillion and operating profit of KRW 5336 billion, continuing a high growth trend. These results reflect SK’s mid‑term growth strategy and the effect of its financial restructuring.
Kim Yeon‑ji (Hankyung.com) reporter kongzi@hankyung.com