KT surpassed SK Telecom's market capitalization during trading on the 24th. If the current stock price trend continues until the market closes, KT will rise to the position of 'telecommunications leader' for the first time in 22 years.
On the same day at 11:33 a.m., KT shares traded at 46,600 won in the KOSPI market. The stock price rose 2.08% (950 won) from the previous day. Meanwhile, SK Telecom shares fell 400 won (0.73%) to 54,600 won. KT's market capitalization increased to 11.744 trillion won, surpassing SK Telecom's market capitalization of 11.7275 trillion won.
Since 2003, KT has remained in second place in the mobile communications industry after trailing SK Telecom. However, while SK Telecom's stock price rose approximately 10% over the past year, KT's stock price jumped more than 30%, achieving a reversal.
A key reason for the surge in KT's stock price is the shareholder return policy. In November of last year, KT announced a plan to enhance corporate value, forecasting a cumulative 1 trillion won worth of share buybacks and retirements by 2028.
KT's partnership with Microsoft (MS) and collaborations in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing also contributed to the rise in stock prices. Choi Min-ha, an analyst at Samsung Securities, noted, "The market penetration through mutual cooperation with MS is expected to ramp up starting this year," adding that "KT's labor cost burden will decrease, structurally strengthening profit capabilities, and one-time sale profits related to the real estate project in Gwangjin District, Seoul, will also be added."
According to financial information provider FnGuide, the average target stock price presented by securities firms for KT in January of this year is 57,500 won. This is approximately 23.4% (10,900 won) higher than the current stock price.