1. What Happened at Youngpoong?

Youngpoong recorded consolidated revenue of KRW 1.17 trillion in the first half of 2025, a sharp 58.1% decline year-on-year. The sluggish performance of the smelting and electronic components divisions is cited as the main cause. While operating losses continued, net income turned to a profit of KRW 264.3 billion on a consolidated basis. However, this is attributed to non-operating factors such as investment asset valuation gains, making it difficult to view this as a substantial business improvement.

2. Why These Results?

The global economic slowdown, weakening Chinese demand, and geopolitical risks are putting downward pressure on zinc demand. Strengthening environmental regulations and litigation risks also continue to burden Youngpoong’s profitability. Despite positive factors such as IT industry growth and increasing demand from advanced industries, the electronic components division is struggling due to intensifying competition and low-price offensives from China.

3. What’s Next for Youngpoong?

In the short term, negative factors such as continued sluggish sales, operating losses, environmental and legal risks, and high financing costs are likely to put downward pressure on the stock price. However, investments in new businesses such as battery recycling and hydrogen could act as long-term growth drivers, and the treasury stock cancellation plan is a positive sign for shareholder value enhancement.

4. What Should Investors Do?

Short-term investors need to be cautious due to the low visibility of earnings improvement and persistent risk factors. Long-term investors should comprehensively consider the success potential of new businesses, the company’s ability to respond to environmental regulations, and changes in the macroeconomic environment.