SKM official logo SKM
SKM 1-star rating from Upturn Advisory
SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR (SKM) company logo

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR (SKM)

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR (SKM) 1-star rating from Upturn Advisory
$31.17
Last Close (24-hour delay)
Profit since last BUY47.73%
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BUY since 26 days
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Upturn Advisory Summary

02/20/2026: SKM (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Upturn Star Rating

Upturn 1 star rating for performance

Not Recommended Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.

Number of Analysts

1 star rating from financial analysts

2 Analysts rated it

Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.

1 Year Target Price $28.65

1 Year Target Price $28.65

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$28.65 Target price
52w Low $19.29
Current$31.17
52w High $33.71
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Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 11.96B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 30.56
1Y Target Price 28.65
Price to earnings Ratio 30.56
1Y Target Price 28.65
Volume (30-day avg) 2
Beta 0.52
52 Weeks Range 19.29 - 33.71
Updated Date 02/21/2026
52 Weeks Range 19.29 - 33.71
Updated Date 02/21/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 4.49%
Basic EPS (TTM) 1.02

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

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Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-02-04
When -
Estimate 0.1669
Actual 0.5645

Profitability

Profit Margin 3.39%
Operating Margin (TTM) 2.75%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 2.46%
Return on Equity (TTM) 5.52%

Valuation

Trailing PE 30.56
Forward PE 18.38
Enterprise Value 19106304626
Price to Sales(TTM) -
Enterprise Value 19106304626
Price to Sales(TTM) -
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.6
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 5.44
Shares Outstanding 383751847
Shares Floating 147217608
Shares Outstanding 383751847
Shares Floating 147217608
Percent Insiders -
Percent Institutions 7.41

Icon representing Upturn AI-generated SWOT analysis summary Upturn AI SWOT

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR(SKM) company logo displayed in Upturn AI summary

Company Overview

Company history and background logo History and Background

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR is the American Depositary Receipt (ADR) representing shares of South Korea's largest wireless telecommunications operator, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. Founded in 1987, SK Telecom was a pioneer in mobile communication in South Korea. Over the years, it has evolved from a traditional mobile carrier to a comprehensive ICT company, expanding into areas like AI, data centers, and media content. Key milestones include being the first to commercialize CDMA technology in 2000 and pioneering 5G services globally.

Company business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Mobile Communications: Provides a wide range of wireless voice and data services, including 4G LTE and 5G. This is SK Telecom's foundational and largest business segment.
  • Media and Content: Includes IPTV services, satellite broadcasting, and content creation/distribution through subsidiaries like SK Broadband and Wavve.
  • AI and Big Data: Focuses on developing and deploying AI technologies, including AI platforms, services, and solutions for various industries.
  • Data Centers and Cloud: Operates data centers and offers cloud computing services to businesses.
  • Enterprise Solutions: Provides ICT solutions and services tailored for enterprise customers, including IoT and smart factory solutions.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. is led by its CEO, Ryu Young-sang. The company operates under a holding company structure, with SK Square as a subsidiary focusing on IT and semiconductor investments, and other subsidiaries in various ICT sectors. The ADR represents shares of the main operating entity.

Top Products and Market Share

Product Key Offerings logo Key Offerings

  • Mobile Network Services (5G/LTE): SK Telecom is the leading mobile carrier in South Korea, offering high-speed mobile data and voice services. Competitors include KT Corporation and LG Uplus. SK Telecom holds a significant market share in South Korea's mobile sector, often around 40-50%.
  • SK Broadband (IPTV & Internet): A major provider of high-speed internet and IPTV services in South Korea. Competitors include KT Corporation and LG Uplus. SK Broadband is a leading player in the South Korean broadband and IPTV market.
  • Wavve (OTT Service): A joint venture streaming service offering a wide range of Korean dramas, movies, and entertainment content. Competitors include Netflix, YouTube Premium, and Tving. Wavve is a significant player in the South Korean OTT market, aiming to compete with global giants.
  • AI Services (A.): SK Telecom is developing its proprietary AI platform, 'A.', which aims to integrate AI into various services and devices. Competitors include global AI providers like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as local AI initiatives.

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

SK Telecom operates in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving telecommunications and ICT industry. Key trends include the ongoing rollout and adoption of 5G, increasing demand for cloud services and AI, growth in the media and entertainment sector, and the development of smart infrastructure. The industry is characterized by heavy capital expenditure and a constant need for innovation.

Positioning

SK Telecom is a dominant player in the South Korean telecommunications market, holding a leading position in mobile subscribers and network quality. Its competitive advantages include its extensive network infrastructure, strong brand recognition, diversified business portfolio, and early adoption of new technologies like 5G. The company is actively transforming into an AI-powered company, aiming to leverage its vast data and technological capabilities.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The TAM for SK Telecom is multifaceted, encompassing the entire South Korean ICT market, which is substantial and growing. This includes mobile subscriptions, broadband internet, pay-TV, enterprise ICT solutions, cloud computing, and the burgeoning AI market. SK Telecom is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this TAM due to its established infrastructure, customer base, and strategic diversification into growth areas.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Dominant market share in South Korean mobile communications.
  • Extensive and advanced network infrastructure (including 5G leadership).
  • Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
  • Diversified business portfolio beyond traditional telecom (media, AI, cloud).
  • Proven track record of technological innovation and early adoption.

Weaknesses

  • High capital expenditure requirements for network upgrades.
  • Intense competition in all business segments.
  • Reliance on the South Korean market, limiting geographical diversification.
  • Potential challenges in integrating and scaling new AI and platform businesses.

Opportunities

  • Expansion of 5G services and new use cases (e.g., autonomous driving, IoT).
  • Growth in AI and big data analytics services for enterprise and consumers.
  • Increasing demand for cloud computing and data center services.
  • Content creation and platform expansion in the media and entertainment sector.
  • Strategic partnerships and M&A to accelerate growth in new areas.

Threats

  • Regulatory changes and government policies affecting the telecom industry.
  • Intensifying price competition and potential for market saturation.
  • Rapid technological advancements from global competitors.
  • Cybersecurity risks and data privacy concerns.
  • Economic downturns affecting consumer and enterprise spending.

Competitors and Market Share

Key competitor logo Key Competitors

  • KT Corporation (South Korea)
  • LG Uplus (South Korea)

Competitive Landscape

SK Telecom enjoys a leadership position in South Korea's mobile market due to its early adoption of new technologies and robust network. Its advantages lie in its scale, brand loyalty, and comprehensive service offerings. However, KT Corporation and LG Uplus are strong competitors, actively innovating and expanding their own service portfolios. The competitive landscape is fierce, with all players investing heavily in 5G and digital transformation.

Major Acquisitions

Indra

  • Year: 2023
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions):
  • Strategic Rationale: Acquisition of a stake to bolster AI and cloud capabilities, potentially for expansion into global markets.

Storywiz

  • Year: 2023
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions):
  • Strategic Rationale: Strengthening its content creation capabilities for its media platforms.

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: SK Telecom has a strong track record of growth, evolving from a mobile carrier to a diversified ICT conglomerate. Its growth has been driven by expanding mobile penetration, technological upgrades (2G to 5G), and diversification into media, cloud, and AI. While mobile revenue growth may stabilize, its diversification efforts aim to fuel future expansion.

Future Projections: Analyst projections for SK Telecom typically focus on continued growth in its non-telecom segments, particularly AI, cloud, and media. The widespread adoption of 5G and related services is expected to be a significant driver. Growth in enterprise solutions and data centers is also anticipated to contribute positively. Overall, future growth is projected to be steady, with an increasing contribution from its AI and platform businesses.

Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives include strengthening its AI capabilities and platforms (e.g., 'A.'), expanding its cloud and data center footprint, investing in media content and distribution through subsidiaries, and exploring new growth engines through strategic partnerships and potential M&A activities. The company is actively focused on transforming into an 'AI Company'.

Summary

SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR is a dominant South Korean telecom giant with a strong market position and a diversified business model encompassing mobile, media, AI, and cloud. Its strengths lie in its advanced network infrastructure and brand loyalty, while its core challenge is managing high capital expenditures and intense competition. The company is strategically transforming into an AI-centric organization, leveraging opportunities in 5G, cloud, and emerging technologies to drive future growth and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving ICT landscape.

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Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • SK Telecom Investor Relations
  • Financial News Outlets (e.g., Reuters, Bloomberg)
  • Industry Analysis Reports

Disclaimers:

This JSON output is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share data is an estimation and can fluctuate. Financial metrics and projections are subject to change and depend on market conditions and company performance. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization accuracy disclaimer AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization data freshness disclaimer Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Information icon warning about Upturn AI Fundamental Rating based on potentially old data Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Information icon warning about potential inaccuracies or hallucinations in Upturn AI-generated summaries AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.

About SK Telecom Co Ltd ADR

Exchange NYSE
Headquaters -
IPO Launch date 1996-06-27
CEO -
Sector Communication Services
Industry Telecom Services
Full time employees -
Full time employees -

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. engages in the provision of wireless telecommunication services in South Korea. The company operates through three segments: Cellular Services, Fixed-Line Telecommunications Services, and Other Businesses. The Cellular Services segment offers wireless voice and data transmission, Internet of Things solutions, platform, cloud, smart factory solutions, subscription, advertising and curated shopping under T Deal brand name, and metaverse platform-based services, as well as sells wireless devices. Its Fixed-Line Telecommunications Services segment provides fixed-line telephone services; broadband Internet services; media platform services, such as Internet protocol TV and cable TV; and business communications services. The Other Businesses segment offers T-commerce services, as well as portal services under Nate brand name. In addition, it provides call center management, base station maintenance, information gathering and consulting, database and internet website, and broadcasting programs; manufactures non-memory and other electronic integrated circuits; international telecommunication and mobile; and operates information and communications facilities, and mobile virtual network, as well as engages in telecommunications and communication device retail business. SK Telecom Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.