[Edaily Reporter Kwon Oh Seok ] Hana Securities announced on the 1st that it is maintaining its “Buy” rating and target price of 76,000 won for KTCorporation(030200).

Kim Hong-sik, an analyst at Hana Securities, analyzed, “The underperformance of KTCorporation’s stock price this year was primarily due to stagnant headquarters profits in 2026 caused by rising costs, as well as stagnant DPS (dividends per share). Additionally, the difficulty in canceling treasury shares due to foreign ownership limits and the burden of converting canceled shares into dividends also acted as obstacles to a rise in the stock price.”
He added, “However, we believe it is important to note that KTCorporation’s absolute stock price is now too low, and the expected dividend yield could be attractive even based on current market interest rate forecasts. If expectations for DPS growth rise, as they did in 2025, the expected dividend yield of 4.5% could be fully highlighted.”
He stated, “While it is true that there is a lack of short-term catalysts for a stock price rally, there is a possibility that buying momentum will spread across the entire telecommunications services sector starting this fall; therefore, I recommend buying in the low to mid-50,000 won range starting in September,” “This is because, coupled with falling market interest rates, if discussions begin between regulatory agencies and telecom companies regarding the adoption of 5G SA (Standalone mode) and the allocation of new spectrum, a stock price rally could occur given the current low valuation,” he emphasized.
Previously, in August, KTCorporation launched AI (artificial intelligence)-integrated rate plans. The “Choice” rate plan lineup, which incorporates Google AI Plus (400GB), ranges from the 90,000-won to 130,000-won range per month. Overseas roaming speeds, shared data allowances, and smart device benefits vary depending on the plan.
Analyst Kim noted, “Of course, the market impact is still limited, and interest remains relatively low. This is because we cannot yet say that the company has embarked on full-scale AI-based billing, and competitors’ responses have been rather lukewarm,” he noted. However, he added, “The situation will be different once the establishment of AI base stations gains momentum in 2027 and the restructuring of 5G rate plans begins in earnest due to the increased investment burden associated with new spectrum. Physical AI could be recognized as the killer service for 5G and 6G.”
He added, “Considering the potential for a virtuous cycle—where increased AI traffic leads to higher telecom investments and, in turn, upsells of rate plans—we believe KTCorporation’s current stock price is undervalued. From a long-term investment perspective, we recommend increasing your position in the stock.”