-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
We raise our target price to USD94 from USD70, valuing POSCO at 0.66x 2026 P/BV, above its three-year mean of 0.52x. Our neutral view reflects: (i) recovering steel fundamentals supported by China's 2025 crude steel output declining 4.4% Y/Y and South Korea's anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel, which provides a pricing moat for Posco; and (ii) lithium market recovery with prices surging 49% YTD through April, supporting POSCO's battery materials segment which narrowed Q1 2026 losses significantly. POSCO's Australian and Argentine lithium acquisitions bolster its battery materials growth strategy. Additionally, the new Mid-term Shareholder Return Policy (2026-2028) targeting a 35%-40% payout ratio demonstrates commitment to shareholder value. However, risks include an aggressive 61% capex increase to KRW11.3 trillion in 2026, execution challenges on international projects, and persistent margin pressures. We adjust our 2026 EPS estimate to KRW6,379 from KRW5,932 and 2027 to KRW8,036 from KRW7,820.