KT Corporation Reports Q3 Revenue Dip and AI Pivot

KT Corporation reported a decline in third-quarter 2026 financial results on November 10, with operating revenue falling 1.8% to KRW 6,997.5 billion and operating income dropping 6.1% to KRW 505.3 billion. Management attributed the decrease to a customer appreciation program and the absence of a one-time real estate gain recorded in the previous year.

To offset these declines, the company is executing an AI Transformation strategy with the goal of doubling AX revenue by 2028. This pivot includes a roadmap to expand AI data center capacity by 1 gigawatt through 2031 and the October 30 launch of Token Factory, an all-in-one AI platform. The platform utilizes a partnership with OpenRouter, Inc. to provide access to over 500 AI models.

KT also announced a KRW 1 trillion share buyback program to improve capital efficiency, targeting a consolidated return on equity of 9% to 10% by 2028. Growth in AX revenue and data center utilization was driven by its subsidiary, kt cloud, while the company previously secured a financial sector contract with Palantir in August 2026.