Kakao Past Earnings Performance
We're still processing the latest earnings report of this company
Past criteria checks 3/6
Kakao's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -35.7%, while the Interactive Media and Services industry saw earnings growing at 11.7% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 9.1% per year. Kakao's return on equity is 3.7%, and it has net margins of 6.3%.
Key information
-35.73%
Earnings growth rate
-36.02%
EPS growth rate
| Interactive Media and Services Industry Growth | 19.97% |
| Revenue growth rate | 9.07% |
| Return on equity | 3.72% |
| Net Margin | 6.27% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Aug 05
A035720: Lower Risk And Earnings Multiple Assumptions Will Support Stronger Future Profitability
The analyst fair value estimate for Kakao has changed from approximately ₩66,667 to about ₩62,192, with analysts citing slightly revised assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, the discount rate, and future P/E as the main factors behind this adjustment. What’s in the News for Kakao Recent public news specific to Kakao is not provided in the available sources.
Narrative Update • Jul 21
A035720: Ongoing Fund Investments Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have revised their fair value estimate for Kakao from ₩90,000 to ₩87,000, citing updated assumptions that reflect lower expected revenue growth, a slightly higher discount rate, modestly improved profit margins, and a comparable forward P/E profile. What’s in the News for Kakao Kakao scheduled a board meeting on April 29, 2026, to consider the finalized payment amount for IMM Growth Venture Fund No. 2-2 of ₩27,067,593,201, with the payment date set for April 30, 2026.Narrative Update • Jul 07
A035720: Upcoming Board Investments Will Support Stronger Future Profitability Outlook
Kakao’s analyst price target has been reset from about ₩69,815 to about ₩66,667, as analysts factor in slightly lower fair value, marginally higher discount rates, and more conservative assumptions for revenue growth and profit margins while keeping future P/E expectations broadly similar. What's in the News Kakao scheduled a board meeting for Feb 23, 2026 to consider finalized terms and conditions for an investment amount of ₩45,100,000,000.
Narrative Update • Jun 23
A035720: Future Investment Commitments Will Support Long-Term Bullish Outlook
Analysts have revised Kakao's fair value estimate from ₩59,000 to about ₩46,022, reflecting updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and a slightly higher discount rate, even though the projected future P/E remains broadly similar. What's in the News Kakao has scheduled a board meeting on Feb 23, 2026, to consider finalized terms and conditions for an investment amount of ₩45,100,000,000.Narrative Update • Jun 06
A035720: Upcoming Capital Injections Will Support Stronger Profitability Outlook
Analysts have trimmed Kakao's implied fair value only slightly, from about ₩70,556 to around ₩69,815. This points to updated assumptions that include modestly higher revenue growth, a wider profit margin and a somewhat lower future P/E multiple.Narrative Update • May 23
A035720: Upcoming Capital Injections Will Support Future Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed Kakao's fair value estimate from ₩76,115 to ₩70,556, reflecting updated views on slightly softer revenue growth and profit margins, along with a modestly higher discount rate, even as future P/E assumptions remain broadly similar. What's in the News Board meeting scheduled for February 23, 2026, to review finalized terms and conditions for a KRW 45,100,000,000 portion of a broader investment plan (Key Developments).Narrative Update • May 02
A035720: Upcoming Capital Inflows And Dividend Policy Will Support Bullish Outlook
Analysts have trimmed Kakao's fair value estimate from ₩59,666 to ₩59,000, as they now expect lower revenue growth and profit margins, along with a higher assumed discount rate and future P/E multiple. What's in the News Kakao's board plans to meet on February 23, 2026 to review finalized terms and conditions for a KRW 45.1b portion of a total investment (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Apr 17
A035720: Dividend Initiation And Capital Raise Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have kept Kakao's fair value estimate steady at ₩90,000. They explained that the unchanged price targets reflect offsetting shifts in inputs, including a slightly higher discount rate, higher projected revenue growth and profit margins, and a lower assumed future P/E multiple.Narrative Update • Apr 03
A035720: New Capital Raise And Dividend Policy Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have adjusted their Kakao price target slightly lower from about ₩76,667 to around ₩76,115, reflecting updated assumptions on discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E, which they see as better aligned with current forecasts. What's in the News Kakao has scheduled a board meeting on March 17, 2026 to finalize specific terms for part of a new share issuance under the 2nd capital increase to other investors, involving KRW 3.0b in convertible preferred shares to GS Assemble Fund, with an expected payment date of March 20, 2026, subject to procedural progress (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Mar 20
A035720: Future Capital Raise And Dividend Policy Will Support Bullish Outlook
Analysts have reduced their Kakao fair value estimate from ₩61,562 to ₩59,667, reflecting higher discount rates together with stronger assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and a lower future P/E. What's in the News Kakao plans a board meeting on March 17, 2026 to finalize specific terms for part of a new share issuance under the 2nd capital increase to other investors.Narrative Update • Mar 06
A035720: Dividend Introduction And Margin Improvement Will Support Future Upside
Analysts are maintaining Kakao's fair value estimate at ₩90,000. This updated view is guided by a slightly higher discount rate, a modestly lower revenue growth assumption, and a small uplift in profit margin and future P/E expectations.Narrative Update • Feb 20
A035720: Higher Future P/E Multiple Will Support Margin Recovery And Upside
Analysts have adjusted their fair value estimate for Kakao to ₩90,000 from ₩88,000, reflecting updated assumptions on the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and a higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Kakao Corp.Narrative Update • Feb 06
A035720: External Investment Review Will Support Higher Margins And Future Upside
Analysts are holding Kakao's fair value estimate steady at ₩88,000, with a slightly higher discount rate, slightly lower revenue growth, and slightly higher profit margin and future P/E assumptions shaping the latest price target view. What's in the News A board meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025, to review the purpose of an external investment, the overall transaction structure, and the transaction price (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Jan 22
A035720: Fair Outlook As Q4 Trends And Board Review Will Guide Expectations
Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Kakao from ₩57,984 to ₩61,562 as they incorporate slightly adjusted assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E into their updated models. What's in the News Kakao has scheduled a board meeting for Nov 19, 2025 to review the purpose of an external investment, the transaction structure, the transaction price, and other related matters (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Jan 08
A035720: Fair Outlook As Q4 Advertising And Board Review Will Shape Expectations
Analysts now see Kakao’s fair value at ₩57,984, up from ₩53,712. This reflects adjusted views on revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Dec 25
A035720 External Investment Review And Q4 Guidance Will Support Improved Profitability
Analysts have lifted their price target on Kakao by ₩0 to ₩88,000, citing slightly stronger projected revenue growth, higher expected profit margins, and a modestly lower forward P/E multiple that together support a more favorable risk-reward profile despite a higher discount rate. What's in the News Kakao's board has scheduled a meeting for November 19, 2025, to review the purpose of an external investment, overall transaction structure, pricing, and related matters (board meeting filing).Narrative Update • Dec 11
A035720: Upcoming Investment Review And Earnings Momentum Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have modestly adjusted their price target on Kakao upward to ₩76,666.67, reflecting slightly lower perceived risk, a stable long term growth and margin outlook, and a marginally lower future P E expectation. What's in the News Board meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, to review an external investment, including purpose, transaction structure, pricing, and related matters (company filing) New earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025 targets comfortable double-digit year-over-year growth in Talk Biz advertising revenue, with overall revenue growth expected to accelerate on deferred transactions and year-end seasonality (company guidance) Valuation Changes The fair value estimate remains unchanged at approximately ₩76,666.67 per share, indicating no material revision to the intrinsic value assessment.Narrative Update • Nov 27
A035720: Rising Profit Margins And Lower P/E To Drive Future Upside
Narrative Update on Kakao: Analyst Price Target Revision Analysts have raised Kakao's fair value estimate from 75,250 KRW to 76,666.67 KRW. This revision reflects improved profit margin expectations and a lower anticipated future price-to-earnings ratio, even though revenue growth forecasts have been moderated.Narrative Update • Nov 08
A035720: Modest Revenue Gains And Higher Multiple Will Drive Future Upside
Kakao Analyst Price Target Raised on Expectations of Modest Growth Analysts have increased Kakao's fair value estimate by ₩1,000 to ₩75,250, citing slightly higher projected revenue growth, even though there is a minor decrease in the expected profit margin. Valuation Changes The Fair Value Estimate has risen slightly, increasing from ₩74,250 to ₩75,250.Narrative Update • Sep 24
Advanced AI And Fintech Expansion Will Transform Digital Engagement
Kakao's valuation metrics, including net profit margin and discount rate, showed only marginal improvement, resulting in an almost unchanged consensus analyst price target, which increased slightly from ₩73,500 to ₩74,250. Valuation Changes Summary of Valuation Changes for Kakao The Consensus Analyst Price Target remained effectively unchanged, moving only marginally from ₩73500 to ₩74250.Narrative Update • Aug 08
Advanced AI And Fintech Expansion Will Transform Digital Engagement
Upward revisions in both Kakao's net profit margin and consensus revenue growth forecasts have driven the analyst price target higher from ₩63,554 to ₩68,768. What's in the News Kakao Corp.
New Narrative • Nov 18
Unlocking Growth And Innovation Through Personalized AI, Healthcare Expansion, And Enhanced User Engagement
Kakao's focus on user engagement and AI-driven services could enhance revenue streams and profit potential through targeted advertising and differentiated offerings.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Kakao makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 8,293,339 | 520,002 | 6,128,232 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 8,099,148 | 500,367 | 6,031,566 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 7,812,166 | 323,469 | 5,846,995 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 7,646,983 | 304,328 | 5,762,454 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 7,623,569 | 244,371 | 5,785,155 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 7,864,033 | 106,328 | 6,017,479 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 7,913,153 | -830,749 | 6,005,451 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 8,003,226 | -915,669 | 6,105,405 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 7,921,583 | -961,027 | 6,082,354 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 7,557,002 | -1,012,551 | 5,843,141 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 7,024,522 | -20,067 | 5,427,227 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 6,871,747 | 65,405 | 5,274,150 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 6,770,807 | 77,086 | 5,178,432 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 6,798,742 | 1,358,019 | 5,155,494 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 6,892,288 | 1,549,079 | 5,464,379 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 6,774,371 | 2,221,867 | 5,416,066 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 6,304,252 | 2,465,914 | 4,987,234 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 5,910,513 | 1,387,314 | 4,618,090 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 5,500,665 | 1,122,172 | 4,149,218 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 4,860,322 | 470,575 | 3,611,153 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 4,460,980 | 298,677 | 3,337,721 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 4,071,392 | 151,601 | 3,066,230 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 3,769,255 | -82,071 | 2,820,699 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 3,451,994 | -153,880 | 2,604,910 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 3,232,176 | -254,866 | 2,985,290 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 3,070,111 | -304,815 | 2,391,331 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 2,895,867 | 121,034 | 2,278,610 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 2,711,985 | 81,952 | 2,164,631 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 2,567,884 | 61,544 | 1,567,399 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 2,416,992 | 47,886 | 2,002,051 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 2,288,332 | 60,379 | 1,870,296 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 2,204,452 | 75,799 | 1,778,042 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 2,083,961 | 68,736 | 1,664,857 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 1,972,326 | 108,597 | 1,541,153 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 1,881,481 | 120,522 | 1,465,293 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 1,757,459 | 100,683 | 1,384,937 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 1,665,536 | 98,213 | 1,318,462 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 1,464,233 | 57,674 | 1,170,439 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 1,252,092 | 45,234 | 1,009,840 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 1,090,281 | 46,023 | 886,797 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 940,244 | 57,745 | 777,555 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 932,152 | 75,666 | 756,766 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 944,500 | 116,571 | 617,906 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: A035720 has a large one-off loss of ₩275.3B impacting its last 12 months of financial results to 31st March, 2026.
Growing Profit Margin: A035720's current net profit margins (6.3%) are higher than last year (3.2%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: A035720's earnings have declined by 35.7% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: A035720's earnings growth over the past year (112.8%) exceeds its 5-year average (-35.7% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: A035720 earnings growth over the past year (112.8%) exceeded the Interactive Media and Services industry 1.5%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: A035720's Return on Equity (3.7%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/08/13 14:36 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/08/13 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Kakao Corp. is covered by 40 analysts. 26 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Seyon Park | Barclays |
| Min-joo Kang | Bernstein |
| A-Hyung Cho | BofA Global Research |