POSCO Holdings posts 48% Q3 profit jump on steel rebound and debt reduction

POSCO Holdings reported third‑quarter 2026 operating profit of KRW 945 billion, a 48% year‑over‑year increase, driven by a strong recovery in its steel division. Revenue rose 11% to KRW 19.14 trillion, while net profit fell 1.8% to KRW 380 billion due to one‑off losses in battery‑materials operations. The company cut net debt by KRW 4.3 trillion, lowering its debt ratio by 6.7 percentage points, and its shares gained over 6% in after‑hours trading.

The profit surge and debt reduction improve POSCO Holdings’ financial flexibility and may support its planned investments in automotive steel, LNG assets and LFP battery materials, as noted by the company in its earnings release. However, the decline in net profit highlights ongoing headwinds in the lithium‑battery segment, which could affect cash flow from that business until market conditions improve.

  • 1Operating profit was KRW 945 billion, up 48% YoY.
  • 2Revenue was KRW 19.14 trillion, up 11% YoY.
  • 3Net profit fell to KRW 380 billion, down 1.8% YoY.
  • 4Net debt decreased by KRW 4.3 trillion, reducing the debt ratio by 6.7 percentage points.
  • 5Shares rose 6.36% to $52.83 in after‑hours trading.
  • 6Operating profit rose 15% quarter‑over‑quarter.

Sources