1. What Happened in Q1 2025?

Korea Zinc reported revenue of KRW 3.8254 trillion (consensus +3.1%), operating profit of KRW 258.9 billion (consensus -6.7%), and net profit of KRW 331.1 billion (consensus +153.1%). While revenue remained strong thanks to rising non-ferrous metal prices and new business growth, operating profit fell short of expectations. Net profit, however, saw explosive growth due to non-operating income factors.

2. Why the Fluctuation in Earnings?

Positive Factors: Rise in gold and silver prices, favorable exchange rates, growth in new businesses (secondary battery materials, resource circulation, etc.)
Negative Factors: Unclear reasons for lower operating profit, high debt ratio, concerns over global economic slowdown, management dispute risk

3. Future Investment Strategy?

Korea Zinc is a company with both growth potential and risks. Before making investment decisions, investors should carefully consider factors such as the reasons for the lower operating profit, the profitability of new businesses, improvements in financial structure, and the progress of management disputes. The current investment opinion is ‘Neutral’.

4. Investor Action Plan

  • Analyze the reasons for lower operating profit and check disclosures.
  • Monitor the performance and profitability of new businesses.
  • Check financial soundness indicators (e.g., debt ratio).
  • Keep an eye on news and disclosures related to the management dispute.
  • Monitor trends in non-ferrous metal prices and exchange rates.