POSCO Enters Agreement to Supply Graphite Anodes for EV Batteries

POSCO’s PKX unit, POSCO Future M, has entered into an agreement with a battery company from Japan to supply natural graphite anode materials. PKX’s unit will produce the materials at its Sejong plant and supply them to the battery company for the manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Through this venture, POSCO is expanding its global market presence. Although the partner, duration and scale of the agreement are not disclosed, the addition of a new customer helps diversify its customer base. POSCO Future M has been continually building expertise in the development of various natural graphite and artificial graphite anode materials tailored to the requirements of its customers. Its pursuit of commercializing silicon anode materials and forming a self-sufficient system for graphite ore and intermediate materials has been catching momentum in the global markets.

POSCO Future M is steadfast in establishing a supply chain covering everything from raw materials to material production. This is in response to supply-chain diversification efforts and trade regulations in countries including the United States and the European Union. POSCO Future M will progress to broaden its portfolio and introduce differentiated technology to enhance competitiveness in the industry.

PKX stock has lost 7.7% over the past year compared with the industry’s 21.4% decline.

PKX’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

PKX currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Royal Gold, Inc. RGLD,Coeur Mining, Inc. CDE and Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS. While RGLD and CDE currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, CRS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGLD’s current-year earnings is pegged at $7.47 per share, indicating a 42% year-over-year increase.Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 9%. RGLD’s shares have gained 15.6% in the past year.

The consensus estimate for CDE’s current-year earnings is pegged at 69 cents per share, implying a 283.3% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missing once, with an average surprise of 136.2%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS’ fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $7.28 per share, indicating a rise of 53.6% from year-ago level. The company’s earnings beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. Its shares have gained 120.8% in the past year.

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