News

• SKC Announces Q1 2025 Results: Clear Sign of Recovery in Battery Materials Business ● Recorded KRW 438.5 billion in revenue and KRW 74.5 billion in operating loss in Q1 2025​● ​Battery copper foil sales rebounding on increased demand; global customer contracts underway​● ​Semiconductor test socket sales growth to accelerate in Q2; U.S. subsidy for Absolics anticipatedSKC (CEO Woncheol Park) announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on April 30, reporting revenue of KRW 438.5 billion and an operating loss of KRW 74.5 billion. Despite continued weakness in downstream industries, revenue rose by approximately 3% and the operating loss narrowed by about 10% compared to the previous quarter.By business segment, the battery materials division showed clear sign of recovery. Copper foil sales rebounded on growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with Q1 sales volume increasing by 14% quarter-over-quarter and 8% year-over-year. Notably, sales in the North American market surged 69% from the previous quarter and 149% from the same period last year, significantly contributing to the segment's performance. In addition, the operating loss narrowed by 18% quarter-over-quarter, driven by a sharp rise in the utilization at the Malaysia plant.In the semiconductor materials segment, sales of test sockets for non-memory applications temporarily declined due to adjustments in customers’ R&D and mass production schedules. Nevertheless, the segment maintained a solid operating margin of over 20%, demonstrating stable performance. The chemicals business achieved revenue growth from the previous quarter, despite continued weakness in styrene monomer (SM) spreads. Sales of its key product, propylene glycol (PG) remained stable, particularly in high-value markets such as North America and Europe.SKC plans to focus on improving profitability in the battery materials business, driving stable revenue growth in its semiconductor test sockets, and commercializing its glass substrates business in 2025.The battery materials business is expected to continue its upward momentum into Q2, driven by increasing utilization rates at customer battery plants in North America. In particular, SKC plans to finalize multiple supply agreements with global battery manufacturers during the quarter, which—together with the full-scale ramp-up of its Malaysia plant—will further enhance profitability.In the semiconductor segment, sales growth is expected to accelerate in Q2, led by increased demand from North American customers and the resumption of R&D orders from major global tech companies. In addition, U.S. government subsidies for Absolics’ manufacturing operations under the CHIPS Act are expected to be disbursed during the quarter.An SKC representative said, “We are seeing a clear recovery in copper foil sales within the battery materials business. Meanwhile, our test socket business continues to show stable performance, and preparations for the commercialization of glass substrates are proceeding as planned. We will further accelerate our efforts to strengthen the fundamentals of existing businesses while making tangible progress in new growth areas to support a performance rebound.”​
• SKC Launches Biodiversity Conservation Initiative My Green Nature at ISC in Seongnam ● SKC unveils its new CSR initiative My Green Nature linked to biodiversity conservation​● ​Water quality improvement activities carried out at Tancheon Stream in Seongnam, where SKC’s semiconductor test solution portfolio company ISC is located​● ​Program to expand nationwide to sites of portfolio companies, including Jeongeup and Ulsan – invasive species removal planned in Jeongeup this MaySKC (CEO Wonchoel Park) has launched a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) program titled My Green Nature, which focuses on biodiversity conservation. The initiative, being implemented for the first time this year, engages employees in ecological restoration efforts in areas where the company and its affiliates have operations.The program was developed to raise awareness of the value of biodiversity and the importance of restoring healthy ecosystems. Biodiversity refers to the harmonious coexistence of diverse species and ecosystems, which provides the foundation for all life—including humans—to thrive sustainably.The first biodiversity conservation activity under the My Green Nature initiative, held on April 25, was led by ISC, a semiconductor test solution investee company of SKC. The event took place at Tancheon Stream in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, where ISC is headquartered, and was conducted in collaboration with the Environment Action Association.Participants created and released 1,500 EM (Effective Micro-organisms) mud balls into the stream near Geumtocheon Bridge in Tancheon. Made by mixing beneficial microorganisms with red clay, these natural purifiers gradually dissolve in water, helping break down pollutants. Following the water purification activity, participants also took part in a plogging session to clean up the surrounding environment.SKC is expanding its biodiversity conservation activities, beginning in Seongnam, to communities across Korea where its portfolio companies operate, including Jeongeup in North Jeolla Province and Ulsan. In May, the company will conduct an invasive species removal program in Jeongeup, where SK nexilis is located.Previously, in 2022, SKC launched My Green Place, a gamified platform designed to promote proper plastic waste separation, as part of its efforts to foster an eco-friendly culture. The company has also been running My Green School, an educational program that uses My Green Place to teach elementary school students about resource circulation.An SKC official said, “We believe that My Green Nature, which encourages active employee participation, will help enhance environmental awareness,” adding, “In line with SK Group’s commitment to sustainable management, we will continue to prioritize social and environmental responsibility alongside economic value creation, contributing to the realization of a more sustainable society”