SEOUL: SK Telecom Co., South Korea's leading mobile carrier, announced a 9.1 percent decrease in its third-quarter net profit compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to increased non-operating costs. The company's net profit for the July-September period amounted to 280.2 billion won (US$202.1 million), as revealed in a regulatory filing.According to Yonhap News Agency, despite the decrease in net profit, SK Telecom's operating profit experienced a 7.1 percent increase year-on-year, reaching 533.3 billion won. Additionally, sales rose by 2.9 percent to total 4.53 trillion won. The company cited investments in a partner firm as the reason for the drop in net income, while highlighting the robust performance across its business sectors as a driver for the improved operating profit.SK Telecom's core mobile business unit reported a significant growth in the number of subscribers to its fifth-generation communications network, which rose to 16.6 million by the end of September, up from 15 millio n the previous year. Furthermore, subscriptions to its personal artificial intelligence agent, A., tripled to 5.6 million in the same period.The company's data center unit also saw positive results, with sales climbing 14 percent year-on-year to 60.9 billion won, bolstered by a higher operation rate. Revenue from SK Telecom's cloud business expanded by 30 percent, reaching 47 billion won.Looking ahead, SK Telecom is set to enhance its AI business as part of its strategy to evolve into a comprehensive AI technology company. The company plans to inaugurate AI data centers in Seoul and Pangyo next month and introduce a large language model tailored for telecommunications companies next year.In addition, SK Telecom announced it will distribute cash dividends amounting to 830 won per share to its stockholders for the third quarter.
- October 12, 2026
