SK Telecom Q2 2026 Earnings Report

SK Telecom EPS Results

• Actual EPS: $0.81
• Consensus EPS: $0.59
• Beat/Miss: Beat by +$0.22
• One Year Ago EPS: N/A

SK Telecom Revenue Results

• Actual Revenue: $2.81 billion
• Expected Revenue: $2.96 billion
• Beat/Miss: Missed by -$147.33 million
• YoY Revenue Growth: N/A

SK Telecom Announcement Details

• Quarter: Q2 2026
• Date: 8/6/2026
• Time: Before Market Opens
• Conference Call Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
• Conference Call Time: 3:00AM ET

SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM) Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SKM) is South Korea’s largest wireless carrier, offering a comprehensive range of mobile telecommunications services. The company operates 5G, 4G LTE and IoT networks, providing voice, data and messaging solutions to consumers and businesses. Beyond traditional wireless services, SK Telecom delivers fixed-line broadband, digital content platforms, cloud computing and cybersecurity offerings designed to support enterprise digital transformation and the growing demand for high-speed connectivity.

Established in 1984 as Korea Mobile Telecommunications Services, SK Telecom pioneered cellular service commercialization in South Korea and has continually expanded into new technology areas. As a subsidiary of SK Group, one of Asia’s leading conglomerates, the company has diversified into media, entertainment, semiconductor materials and energy. SK Telecom launched the world’s first nationwide 5G commercial network in 2019 and developed the T world platform to integrate digital lifestyle services, underscoring its focus on research, development and next-generation innovation.

Headquartered in Seoul, SK Telecom serves tens of millions of domestic subscribers and extends its reach internationally through strategic partnerships and joint ventures in markets including the United States, Southeast Asia and India. The company’s executive leadership comprises seasoned telecommunications and technology professionals who have overseen multiple network evolutions and service expansions. Collaborating with global technology vendors, SK Telecom continues to explore emerging solutions such as AI-driven smart factories, autonomous mobility and metaverse platforms to reinforce its position at the forefront of the ICT industry.

SK Telecom Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Key Takeaways

• Positive Sentiment: Operating profit rose 67.3% year over year to KRW 566 billion, aided by the absence of last year’s cybersecurity incident costs, while cost controls also supported a 5.3% quarterly increase. Revenue grew 0.5% to KRW 4.36 trillion.
• Positive Sentiment: AI data center revenue increased 92.5% year over year, driven by the Pangyo facility, and construction began on a new Seoul data center. SK Telecom also plans to establish SK Hyper to develop AIDC projects, initially focusing on securing land, power, customers and infrastructure for phased capacity expansion toward 5GW.
• Positive Sentiment: Management expects sustained, structural AI infrastructure demand as inference workloads and enterprise and public-sector adoption expand. It said global customer discussions are ongoing and intends to fund much of the planned AIDC build-out through strategic partners, financial investors and project financing rather than direct investment.
• Neutral Sentiment: SK Telecom committed KRW 750 billion to SK Hyper, including KRW 330 billion planned for this year, but said total investment requirements could rise and specific plans remain dependent on customer requirements, business models and schedules. Management maintained a quarterly dividend of KRW 830 per share and reiterated its goal of balancing AIDC investment with financial soundness and stable shareholder returns.
• Neutral Sentiment: The company also plans to contribute to SK hynix’s AI investment vehicle through installment payments, seeking access to AI technologies and global partnerships that could strengthen its data center business. Management expects group-level synergies through SK Telecom’s customer network, SK Broadband’s operating expertise and SK hynix’s AI ecosystem investments.

Presentation

[Operator]

Good morning and good evening. Thank you all for joining the conference call for the SK Telecom earnings results. This conference will start with a presentation followed by a Q&A session. If you have a question, please press star and one on your phone during the Q&A. Now we will begin the presentation on SK Telecom's second quarter of fiscal year 2026 earnings results.

[Kim Tae-hee, Senior Manager and Investor Relations Officer at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Good afternoon. I'm Tae-hee Kim, IRO of SK Telecom. Let us begin the earnings conference call for the second quarter of 2026. Today, we will first deliver a presentation on the financial and business highlights, followed by a Q&A session. Please note that all forward-looking statements are subject to change depending on various factors such as market and management situations. Let me now present our CFO.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Good afternoon. This is Jong-seok Park, CFO of SK Telecom.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Half of 2026 has already passed. With a commitment to restoring customers' trust, the mobile service business is showing a clear recovery with tangible results produced through various efforts to enhance customer value and improve profitability. Supported by business restructuring based on a strategy of focus and prioritization, the AI business has moved beyond the stage of setting new goals and formulating strategies, and is transitioning into the stage of full-scale execution and expansion.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Given the rapid increase in global demand for AI infrastructure, strong execution capabilities are becoming extremely important for the AIDC business to seize market opportunities at the right time. Against this backdrop, SK Telecom has decided to establish SK Hyper, a dedicated subsidiary for AIDC business development. We will move forward quickly as an AI infrastructure designer and secure leadership in the AIDC market.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Let me now report on the consolidated financial performance for the second quarter. Consolidated revenue posted KRW 4,359.1 billion, up 0.5% year-over-year, driven by the continued growth of the data center business.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We posted KRW 566 billion in consolidated operating income, up 67.3% year-over-year on the back of the base effect from the cybersecurity incident related expenses reflected in the second quarter of 2025, and also up 5.3% QoQ, thanks to efficient cost control and profitability focused business management.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Next is shareholder return. DPS for the second quarter is KRW 830. Even in the process of expanding growth businesses such as AIDC, we will maintain stable shareholder returns while balancing growth investment, financial soundness, and shareholder returns.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Let me now present business highlights by business line. The mobile service business remains committed to achieving quality growth centered on customer lifetime value. While the market environment stabilized compared to the previous quarter, we continued a net add to handset subscribers focused on high-quality customers by identifying new customer segments and conducting effective marketing activities, including differentiated campaigns.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

In July, we introduced new price plans by integrating 5G and LTE price structures and simplify the overall pricing schemes, which is expected to improve customer experience and service accessibility, thereby boosting customer retention.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Next is AI business. With the rapid adoption of Gen AI across industries and the expansion of AI demand from training to inference, demand for high performance computing infrastructure is growing significantly.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Against this backdrop, to meet high levels of technological and operational requirements demanded by potential customers, such as global tech giants, strong execution capabilities to provide necessary infrastructure promptly are needed in addition to differentiated technological capabilities and business experience.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

By establishing SK Hyper, a dedicated subsidiary for AIDC business development, we aim to respond to changing market demand and requirements and secure rapid business execution capabilities so that we can gain an absolute competitive edge in the AIDC market.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

SK Hyper will secure core elements for business development, such as land, sites and power supply, and attract global customers to develop individual projects. Going forward, starting in Ulsan, we will conduct negotiations with diverse potential customers, including global big tech companies, and accelerate business development of expanding capacity to 5 GWs.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

The existing AIDC projects are also proceeding smoothly as scheduled. In the second quarter, AIDC revenue grew 92.5% year-over-year, mainly thanks to the Pangyo Data Center, and the construction of a new data center in Seoul started in May. We will continue to expand the earnings base of the AIDC business through successful construction and operation of the ongoing projects.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

SK Telecom aims to move beyond being Korea's number one telecom operator to evolve into Korea's number one AI infrastructure company.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

While strengthening business fundamentals based on stable income from the telecom business, SK Telecom will do its utmost to play a leading role in promoting Korea as Asia's AI infrastructure hub.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We ask for the continued support and interest of our investors and analysts. Thank you.

[Kim Tae-hee, Senior Manager and Investor Relations Officer at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We would now like to begin the Q&A session.

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Q&A session will begin. Please press star one, that is star and one, if you have any questions. Questions will be taken according to the order you have pressed the number star one. For cancellation, please press star two. That is star and two on your phone.

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

The first question will be provided by Eun-jung Shin from DB Securities. Please go ahead with your question.

[Shin Eun-jung, Analyst at DB Securities]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

I'm Shin Eun-jung from DB Securities. Thank you for this opportunity. I'd like to ask you two questions. First of all, you announced a plan to expand AIDC capacity in June, you also announced a plan to establish SK Hyper in July. I'd like to understand the background behind your decision to establish a new company, and I would also like to understand the role of SK Hyper in your business. My second question has to do with potential demand for AIDC in the market. With the recent boom for AIDC, a number of companies have announced capacity expansion plans, and SK Telecom's capacity expansion plan seems to be larger than others. Do you believe that there is sufficient demand in the market for AIDC? Thank you.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Thank you for your questions. As CFO, I will answer your question on SK Hyper. Regarding your question on AIDC demand, Lee Jae-shin, in charge of AI Business Development, will answer the question.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

First of all, let me comment on the background behind establishing SK Hyper and its role.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

In conducting AIDC business, essential prerequisites include securing lands and power. We've decided to establish SK Hyper to secure these assets in a preemptive manner and create a flexible business structure where external funds can be actively utilized.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

SK Hyper is a dedicated subsidiary for AIDC business development, and its role is to acquire customers and lead business development based on the secured land, power, and water resources.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Now, our capital contribution and commitment is KRW 750 billion, which will be used for initial business development, including securing sites in areas such as Ulsan and building substations needed for the operation of gigawatt-scale AI data center.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Separate from the existing data center business, which is being pursued by SK Broadband, SK Hyper is a newly established entity for 15 GW AIDC business development, and it already has its own personnel and structure.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Going forward, SK Hyper will actively utilize SK Telecom's global big tech customer network and business development capabilities, as well as SK Broadband's data center construction and operational expertise so as to maximize business synergies through active mobilization of capabilities available within the group.

[Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

My name is Lee Jae-shin. I'm from the AI business development office. I'd like to comment on your second question regarding potential demand.

[Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

In our view, demand for AI infrastructure is not a temporary phenomenon, but it is a structural trend driven by rising demand for inference power and expanded use of AI in the public sector and across industries. We predict that demand for AI infrastructure will continue to expand in the medium to long run.

[Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Global big tech companies are increasing relevant investments right now, there are limited sites that are available that have all the critical components needed to build and operate an AI data center, such as power, connectivity, and water supply. In that sense, we believe that Korea has competitiveness in meeting demand by global tech companies for AI infrastructure investment.

[Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We have the AIDC operation experience and competitive network infrastructure, as well as SK Group's full stack AI infrastructure assets. We believe that we are capable of responding to customer requirements.

[Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Currently, discussions with global tech companies are underway with respect to AI infrastructure demand, and we plan to pursue phased expansion to 5 GW capacity by responding flexibly to customer demand.

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

The following question will be presented by Yoo-jin Choi from Mirae Asset Securities. Please go ahead with your question.

[Choi Yoo-jin, Analyst at Mirae Asset Securities]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

I'm Choi Yoo-jin from Mirae Asset Securities. Thank you for the opportunity. I would like to ask you two questions. First of all, what is the total estimated amount of investment that you're planning to make to expand your data center capacity to five gigawatts? You mentioned that your capital contribution is KRW 750 billion to SK Hyper. I'd like to know if this amount is sufficient. If there are any details you can provide, we would appreciate that. My second question has to do with the potential impact of your AIDC expansion plan on shareholder return. You mentioned earlier that you will do your best to return your shareholder return levels to the 2024 level. I wonder if there has been any change to this guidance. Thank you.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Thank you for your question. Let me first comment on your question related to our investment plans for AIDC business expansion.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Our initial capital commitment to SK Hyper is KRW 750 billion. Given our 5 GW expansion goal, initial investment may increase further.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Please understand that it may be too early to discuss any specific investment plans because they are subject to ongoing discussions with potential customers with respect to their demand and requirements as well as business models and schedules.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Following our initial investment, we plan to secure necessary funds for the actual AIDC construction and operation from financial investors and other financing schemes.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Let me now comment on your question regarding the potential impact of AIDC investment on shareholder returns.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

As you mentioned, AIDC business requires a large amount of investment, so it is unrealistic for the company to finance the entire construction and operation of all the planned capacity.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Therefore, we plan to utilize various external funding and financing schemes, such as investment from strategic partners as well as project financing.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

When it comes to expansion for gigawatt-level data center capacity, unlike traditional data center investment approaches, our position is to lead the project while minimizing our direct investment.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We've committed KRW 750 billion to SK Hyper, this year's investment amounts to KRW 330 billion, which is not too much of a burden given our free cash flow. The remaining amount will be injected in installments starting from next year.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

There may be concerns about potential change to our Capital Allocation policy after announcing our gigawatt-scale AIDC investment. As I mentioned earlier, we will secure external investments as much as possible, and direct investment will be made in consideration of financial soundness and stable dividend payouts.

[Park Jong-seok, CFO at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Following the first quarter, we've decided our DPS for the second quarter to be KRW 830, which is similar to the past levels. We will continue to balance investment and shareholder returns.

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

The following question will be presented by Jae-min Ahn from NH Investment & Securities. Please go ahead with your question.

[Ahn Jae-min, Analyst at NH Investment & Securities]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

I am Ahn Jae-min from NH Investment & Securities. I have one question regarding your capital contribution to AI company. You've decided to contribute more than KRW 700 billion of capital to AI company. There are concerns for this decision because SK Hynix already has sufficient funds to do business in the semiconductor market in the U.S. There were questions as to why or whether SK Telecom had to make this decision. I'd like to understand what SK Telecom's role will be in AI company and whether we will be able to create synergies across the group.

[Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Thank you for the question. I'd like to answer your question. My name is Choi Dong-hee, Head of AI Strategy Planning. In the process of AI business expansion, SK Telecom has made a number of strategic investments to secure core technology and new business opportunities.

[Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

With the rapid development of the AI ecosystem in recent years, value of relevant companies has been increasing significantly, along with intensifying global competition to capture promising investment opportunities.

[Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

We've decided that investing in SK Hynix AI company is more effective for SK Telecom to strengthen our AIDC business competitiveness because this AI company will continue to invest in innovative AI companies utilizing their global presence and strengthening AI infrastructure value chain core competitiveness.

[Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

As for the detailed method of capital contribution, capital contribution is paid in installment upon request so as to minimize financial impact on our earnings. Going forward, through AIDC, we are planning to acquire core technology and necessary global partnerships at the right time.

[Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

Currently, the AI company is in the process of putting together the management team, we will participate in the board to secure capacities and networking that is needed for AI business strengthening, thereby creating synergies.

[Kim Tae-hee, Senior Manager and Investor Relations Officer at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

There are one people waiting in the question queue.

[Kim Tae-hee, Senior Manager and Investor Relations Officer at SK Telecom]

[Non-English content]

[Operator]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

The following question will be presented by Hwae-jae Kim from Daishin Securities. Please go ahead with your question.

[Kim Hwae-jae, Analyst at Daishin Securities]

[Non-English content]

[Translator]

I'm Kim Hwae-jae from Daishin Securities. I'd like to ask you one question. You already made your statements, but I like to ask a follow-up question. As SK Telecom is moving really quickly with respect to AIDC business, there are expectations as well as concerns in the market, and that is why I'd like to ask a further question. I'd like to know whether your investment for AIDC business is based on sufficient and secured demand, or whether your approach is to make investment first and acquire or find clients later. Thank you.

Participants

Executives

• Kim Tae-hee, Senior Manager and Investor Relations Officer
• Park Jong-seok, CFO
• Lee Jae-shin, VP and Head of Global Business Development
• Choi Dong-hee, VP and Head of AI Strategy & Planning Office

Analysts

• Translator
• Shin Eun-jung, Analyst at DB Securities
• Choi Yoo-jin, Analyst at Mirae Asset Securities
• Ahn Jae-min, Analyst at NH Investment & Securities
• Kim Hwae-jae, Analyst at Daishin Securities