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Korea Electric Power (KEP)
NYSE:KEP

Korea Electric Power (KEP) AI Stock Analysis

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KEP

Korea Electric Power

(NYSE:KEP)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$23.50
▲(28.70% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:01/13/26
The score is driven primarily by very attractive valuation (low P/E and very high dividend yield). Financial performance is improving with better margins and strong free cash flow growth, but elevated leverage and margin volatility temper the rating. Technicals are modestly supportive with price above key moving averages and neutral momentum.
Positive Factors
Regulated market position
As South Korea's largest electric utility with government-regulated pricing, KEP benefits from predictable, contract-like revenue streams. That structural stability supports long-term planning, steady cash generation, and investment in capital-intensive grid and generation projects over multiple years.
Improved profitability and margins
Material margin improvement (TTM gross 35.45%, net 6.61%) reflects better cost control and stronger generation mix, improving earnings resilience. Sustained higher margins increase internal funding capacity and buffer the business against commodity and operational shocks over the medium term.
Strong free cash flow growth
A 60.58% TTM increase in free cash flow indicates stronger cash generation from operations. Durable FCF growth supports reinvestment in generation and grid assets, shareholder distributions, and provides optionality to reduce leverage or fund new renewable projects over the coming quarters.
Negative Factors
High financial leverage
A debt-to-equity ratio of 3.18 signals elevated leverage for a regulated utility, constraining financial flexibility. High indebtedness raises refinancing and interest-rate sensitivity, limits room for aggressive capex or acquisitions, and increases vulnerability to prolonged margin pressure.
Margin and earnings volatility
KEP's historical volatility in EBIT/EBITDA margins—driven by swings in generation mix and thermal margins—reduces earnings predictability. For a capital-intensive utility, volatile operating margins complicate multi-year planning, credit metrics and the ability to sustainably fund dividends or investment programs.
Low FCF conversion relative to net income
A free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.18 suggests much of reported earnings does not convert to distributable cash. Structurally low FCF conversion can limit debt paydown, capex funding, and reliable payout levels unless cash conversion improves or leverage is reduced.

Korea Electric Power (KEP) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Korea Electric Power Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKorea Electric Power Corporation, an integrated electric utility company, generates, transmits, and distributes electricity in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through Transmission and Distribution, Nuclear Power Generation, Thermal Power Generation, and Others segments. It generates power from nuclear, coal, oil, liquefied natural gas, internal combustion, combined-cycle, integrated gasification combined cycle, hydro, wind, solar, fuel cell, biogas, and other sources. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a total of 763 generation units, including nuclear, thermal, hydroelectric, and internal combustion units with an installed generation capacity of 82,459 megawatts. Its transmission system consisted of 34,923 circuit kilometers of lines of 765 kilovolts and others, including high-voltage direct current lines, as well as 892 substations with an installed transformer capacity of 344,286 megavolt-amperes; and distribution system included 132,376 megavolt-amperes of transformer capacity and 9,940,440 units of support with a total line length of 532,348 circuit kilometers. The company provides electricity to residential, commercial, educational, industrial, agricultural, street lighting, and overnight power usage. It also offers utility plant maintenance, resources development, electric power information technology, facility maintenance and service, electric meter reading, security, information, and communication line leasing services, as well as sells nuclear fuel. Korea Electric Power Corporation was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Naju-si, South Korea.
How the Company Makes MoneyKorea Electric Power generates revenue primarily through the sale of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its revenue model is supported by regulated pricing mechanisms set by the government, which ensures a stable income stream. Key revenue streams include electricity sales, ancillary services, and power generation from its diverse portfolio of energy sources. Additionally, KEP earns income from investments in renewable energy projects and joint ventures, enhancing its market position and expanding its operational capabilities. Strategic partnerships with technology firms and participation in international energy projects further contribute to its revenue, allowing KEP to leverage innovative solutions and expand its global footprint.

Korea Electric Power Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 08, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mix of solid operating improvements (revenue +4.3%, lower fuel costs -13.8%, positive net income of KRW 8,007.2 billion, improved generation mix and lower interest expense) alongside material one-off and provision-related headwinds (nearly KRW 904.5 billion increase in nuclear site recovery provisions, higher emissions provisions, Q4 subsidiary/overseas costs and FX impacts, high borrowings and modest volume decline). Management expects improved nuclear capacity factors in 2026 and ongoing tariff discussions with the government, but several uncertainties (tax grace period ending, overseas recoveries, dividend policy constrained by public-corporation rules) temper near-term clarity. Overall the results show underlying resilience but are offset by significant one-off charges and policy/financial risks.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Consolidated revenue increased 4.3% year-over-year to KRW 97,434.5 billion.
Operating Income and Net Income
Consolidated operating income for 2025 was KRW 13,524.8 billion and consolidated net income was KRW 8,007.2 billion.
Power Sales Increase
Power sales revenue rose 4.6% year-over-year (absolute figure indiscernible in transcript), supporting top-line growth.
Lower Fuel and Purchase Power Costs
Fuel costs decreased 13.8% to KRW 19,036.4 billion and purchase power costs decreased 1.8% to KRW 34,052.7 billion, reducing operating cost pressure.
Reduction in Cost of Goods Sold and SG&A
Combined cost of goods sold and SG&A declined 1.3% year-over-year to KRW 83,909.7 billion.
Interest Expense Decline
Interest expense decreased by KRW 325.6 billion year-over-year to KRW 4,339.5 billion, improving non-operating expense profile.
Improved Generation Mix / Nuclear Outlook
Nuclear capacity factor increased in 2025 (contribution to generation mix up) and management expects 2026 nuclear capacity factor around mid- to high-80% (annual basis), with nuclear contribution forecasted to rise in 2026.
Negative Updates
Operating Income Miss vs. Expectations
Management acknowledged operating income underperformed expectations by roughly KRW 1 trillion, attributed mainly to higher 'other costs' and subsidiary-related charges concentrated in Q4.
Large Increase in Provisions Related to Nuclear Site Recovery
Provisional liabilities for recovery of nuclear power sites increased by KRW 904.5 billion to KRW 24,769 billion, representing a significant non-operating/other cost buildup.
Higher Provisions for Emissions
Provisions related to greenhouse gas emissions rose by KRW 120.6 billion to KRW 340.6 billion, adding to cost volatility.
Weak Volume and Industrial Demand
Total sales volume fell 0.1% year-over-year to 549.4 TWh due to an economic slowdown and reduced industrial demand, limiting upside in energy sales volumes.
Q4 Nuclear Contribution Dip
Nuclear generation contribution fell about 6% year-over-year in Q4 2025 (management noted this is seasonal but raises short-term variability concerns).
High Consolidated Borrowings
Consolidated total borrowings remain elevated at KRW 129.8 trillion (stand-alone borrowings reported as KRW 84.9 billion in transcript), highlighting leverage considerations.
Dividend Payout Ratio Decline
Dividend payout ratio on stand-alone basis decreased from 16.5% to 13.65% year-over-year; although DPS increased to KRW 1,541 per share, the lower payout ratio may disappoint some investors.
Uncertainty from Overseas One-offs and FX Impacts
Subsidiary-related overseas costs and FX valuation impacts (lease liabilities and FX conversion) produced non-recurring volatility; management noted some Q4 costs were tied to overseas operations but provided limited disclosure.
Policy and Cost Risks Remain
End of a grace period on an individual consumption tax and possible tariff/pricing scheme changes (time/regional pricing) introduce future cost and revenue uncertainty; management has internal estimates but did not disclose impacts.
Company Guidance
KEPCO’s forward guidance for 2026 was modest: total power sales should tick up from 549.4 TWh (2025: –0.1% Y‑o‑y) as economic growth and more operating days return, and on an annual basis they expect higher nuclear contribution (nuclear capacity factor mid– to high‑80%), coal to fall (coal capacity factor mid‑40%) and LNG to remain largely flat (LNG capacity factor early– to mid‑20%); they also expect the adjustment coefficient to be slightly higher in 2026 vs. 2025 and reaffirmed the quarterly fuel cost pass‑through while noting tariff reform work (seasonal/time‑of‑use/regional pricing) is ongoing with government. Key 2025 metrics cited in support were consolidated operating income KRW 13,524.8bn, revenue KRW 97,434.5bn (+4.3%), power sales +4.6% (amount not specified), COGS & SG&A KRW 83,909.7bn (‑1.3%), fuel costs KRW 19,036.4bn (‑13.8%), purchased power KRW 34,052.7bn (‑1.8%), depreciation KRW 11,667.8bn (+2.3%), interest expense KRW 4,339.5bn (‑KRW 325.6bn Y‑o‑y), net income KRW 8,007.2bn, consolidated borrowings KRW 129.8tn (stand‑alone KRW 84.9bn), 2025 RPS expense KRW 3,989.7bn consolidated (KRW 4,818.8bn stand‑alone), coal price reference ~US$105.7/ton, LNG JKM KRW 980,000/ton and S&P ~KRW 112.7/kWh, and noted provision movements (GHG +KRW 120.6bn to KRW 340.6bn; nuclear site provisions and KHNP items also materially changed); dividend policy and precise timing/impact of tariff changes remain subject to government discussions.

Korea Electric Power Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability and margins improved meaningfully (TTM gross margin 35.45%, net margin 6.61%) and free cash flow growth is strong, but high leverage (debt-to-equity 3.18) and historical EBIT/EBITDA margin volatility raise financial risk.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Korea Electric Power shows a positive trend in revenue growth, with a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.57%. The gross profit margin has improved significantly to 35.45% in TTM from 12.02% in 2024, indicating better cost management. The net profit margin also increased to 6.61% in TTM, reflecting enhanced profitability. However, the company has experienced volatility in EBIT and EBITDA margins over the years, which could indicate potential operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 3.18 in TTM, suggesting a high level of leverage, which could pose financial risks. However, the return on equity has improved to 15.57% in TTM, indicating better utilization of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio remains stable, reflecting a balanced asset structure.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Korea Electric Power's free cash flow has grown by 60.58% in TTM, showing strong cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.31, indicating efficient cash conversion. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is relatively low at 0.18, suggesting limited free cash flow relative to net income.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue96.95T93.40T87.48T70.55T60.01T57.93T
Gross Profit16.49T11.23T-2.22T-30.36T-3.63T6.12T
EBITDA29.67T21.71T9.93T-18.56T6.79T16.54T
Net Income8.30T3.49T-4.82T-24.47T-5.30T1.99T
Balance Sheet
Total Assets10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments7.47T5.12T7.14T7.23T4.38T4.80T
Total Debt10.00T>24.36T23.65T10.00T>11.06T9.74T
Total Liabilities10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>10.00T>
Stockholders Equity46.55T39.92T35.85T40.55T63.78T69.30T
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.48T1.66T-12.40T-35.90T-8.31T-193.19B
Operating Cash Flow20.39T15.88T1.52T-23.48T4.47T13.21T
Investing Cash Flow-18.67T-14.09T-13.07T-14.95T-12.35T-14.83T
Financing Cash Flow-3.22T-3.85T12.66T39.00T8.44T1.88T

Korea Electric Power Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price18.26
Price Trends
50DMA
19.67
Negative
100DMA
17.74
Positive
200DMA
15.25
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.48
Positive
RSI
40.97
Neutral
STOCH
52.98
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KEP, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 18.26 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.37, below the 50-day MA of 19.67, and above the 200-day MA of 15.25, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.48 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.97 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.98 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for KEP.

Korea Electric Power Risk Analysis

Korea Electric Power disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Korea Electric Power reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Korea Electric Power Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$26.06B4.130.29%0.52%111.63%
66
Neutral
$23.92B22.1512.33%3.10%10.96%-0.77%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
64
Neutral
$29.57B28.998.17%3.94%7.64%48.61%
62
Neutral
$30.80B21.0312.16%3.45%19.42%-9.68%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KEP
Korea Electric Power
19.50
12.26
169.34%
CMS
CMS Energy
78.07
6.18
8.60%
DTE
DTE Energy
148.24
17.42
13.31%
FE
FirstEnergy
51.16
13.10
34.42%

Korea Electric Power Corporate Events

KEPCO Posts Strong Profit Rebound for Nine Months to September 2025
Dec 18, 2025

In its English summary of the quarterly business report for the period January 1 to September 30, 2025, KEPCO reported consolidated sales of 73.746 trillion won and operating profit of 11.541 trillion won, up from 69.870 trillion won in sales and 5.945 trillion won in operating profit a year earlier, reflecting significantly improved profitability in its core electricity sales and nuclear generation segments despite weaker thermal generation margins. The filing also highlighted a series of boardroom changes in 2025, including the appointment of new standing and non-standing directors and resignations of others, while confirming no change in major shareholders over the past five years and disclosing that KEPCO paid a 2024 dividend of 213 won per share, signaling continued shareholder returns amid recovering earnings and a strengthened operating position in Korea’s power sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (KEP) stock is a Hold with a $19.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Korea Electric Power stock, see the KEP Stock Forecast page.

KEPCO Reports Strong Q3 2025 Financial Results
Nov 13, 2025

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) reported its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2025, showing a notable increase in operating revenues and net income compared to the same period in 2024. The company’s operating revenues rose to 27,572 billion Korean Won, and net income increased to 3,790 billion Korean Won, indicating a strong financial performance. These results suggest a positive impact on KEPCO’s operations and may enhance its positioning in the energy market, benefiting stakeholders by potentially increasing investor confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (KEP) stock is a Buy with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Korea Electric Power stock, see the KEP Stock Forecast page.

KEPCO Announces Additional KRW 9.993 Billion Contribution to KENTECH
Nov 12, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announced an additional contribution of KRW 9.993 billion to the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH). This contribution is part of a previously resolved total of KRW 45.9 billion, aimed at supporting the construction and operational expenses of KENTECH’s main facilities in 2025. This move underscores KEPCO’s commitment to advancing energy technology and strengthening its collaboration with government initiatives.

The most recent analyst rating on (KEP) stock is a Buy with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Korea Electric Power stock, see the KEP Stock Forecast page.

KEPCO to Announce Q3 2025 Earnings Results on November 13
Nov 10, 2025

On November 13, 2025, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is set to release its preliminary unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025. The company will also hold a conference call to discuss these results, which could provide insights into its financial performance and future outlook, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (KEP) stock is a Buy with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Korea Electric Power stock, see the KEP Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 13, 2026