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Battery industry profit recovery comes into view as lithium prices rise

South Korea\'s battery industry is seen entering a broader uptrend from the first quarter as lithium carbonate spot prices more than doubled to the low $20s per kg. Delayed mine restarts in China tightened supply while strong energy storage system installations supported demand. From the second quarter, higher lithium prices are expected to be reflected in cathode material selling prices, enabling provision reversals and improving profitability. Export data show rising cathode volumes and prices.

Games & Commerce

Naver, Kakao shares lag despite solid earnings as AI monetisation delays cut valuation expectations

Brokerages forecast record first-quarter results for Naver and Kakao, but their shares keep falling this year. Analysts say weaker visibility on monetising artificial intelligence is lowering valuation expectations. Securities firms have cut target prices for both companies. For Naver, rising infrastructure and promotion costs and delays to a blockchain-related merger are weighing on sentiment. For Kakao, investors are watching the super-app push and proof of AI agent utility.

Games & Commerce

Naver, Kakao set to post record first-quarter results led by commerce and ads

Naver and Kakao are expected to post record first-quarter results, driven by commerce and advertising. Naver’s revenue is forecast to rise 12.8 percent to 3.14 trillion won, with operating profit up 11 percent to 560.9 billion won, led by strong commerce growth. Kakao is expected to report revenue of 2.01 trillion won and operating profit of 179.5 billion won, up 70.3 percent, on KakaoTalk ad growth and efficiency moves.