What Happened at Manho Steel?

A Busan court overturned Manho Steel’s approval of a 7 billion KRW limit on director remuneration, a decision made at the shareholders’ meeting on September 30, 2024. This ruling came as a result of a lawsuit filed by Tres Co., Ltd., with other claims being dismissed.

Why Did the Court Make This Decision?

Manho Steel’s financial situation has deteriorated recently, with declining sales and operating losses. The company also has a history of management disputes and qualified audit opinions, contributing to low market expectations. Against this backdrop, the excessive director remuneration limit sparked shareholder backlash, ultimately leading to the court’s decision.

How Does This Ruling Impact Investors?

Short-Term Impact

  • – Potential stock price decline due to increased management uncertainty
  • – Possibility of strained shareholder relationships and further disputes
  • – Increased stock volatility and weakened investor sentiment

Long-Term Impact

  • – Pressure to improve corporate governance and transparency in decision-making
  • – Incentive for the company to focus on enhancing business competitiveness and improving performance
  • – Review and revision of the director remuneration structure based on reasonable and objective criteria

What Should Investors Do?

  • Proceed with Caution: Consider investments from a long-term perspective, taking into account the company’s financial condition and management environment.
  • Monitor Further Disclosures and Management Response: Pay close attention to the company’s response and the direction of management decisions.
  • Continuously Observe Macroeconomic and Industry Trends: Factor in macroeconomic indicators such as interest rates, exchange rates, and oil prices, as well as industry trends, when making investment decisions.