Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP)
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) is South Korea's dominant electric utility, responsible for power generation, transmission, and distribution. With a diverse energy portfolio and extensive infrastructure, KEP plays a vital role in the nation's energy security and economic development.
Company Overview
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) offers a stable investment in South Korea's essential energy infrastructure, boasting a diverse generation portfolio, robust transmission network, and a compelling P/E ratio of 4.73, positioning it as a cornerstone of the nation's power grid.
Investment Thesis
Korea Electric Power Corporation presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its critical role in South Korea's energy infrastructure and its attractive valuation metrics. With a P/E ratio of 4.73, KEP is undervalued compared to its peers, offering potential for capital appreciation. The company's diverse energy portfolio and extensive transmission network provide a stable foundation for future growth. Key growth catalysts include increasing electricity demand in South Korea and expansion into renewable energy sources. Furthermore, KEP's commitment to operational efficiency and technological innovation should drive long-term value creation. The company's current dividend yield of 0.35% provides a steady income stream, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors. Investing in KEP offers exposure to a stable, regulated utility market with significant growth potential.
Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $27.68 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the utility sector.
- P/E ratio of 4.73, indicating a potentially undervalued investment opportunity.
- Profit margin of 8.5%, demonstrating solid profitability in a regulated industry.
- Gross margin of 59.0%, showcasing efficient operations and cost management.
- Beta of 0.82, suggesting lower volatility compared to the overall market.
Competitors
Strengths
- Dominant market share in South Korea's electricity market.
- Diversified energy generation portfolio.
- Extensive transmission and distribution infrastructure.
- Strong government support and regulatory framework.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- Exposure to regulatory changes and political risks.
- High capital expenditure requirements.
- Potential for cost overruns in large-scale projects.
Catalysts
- Ongoing: Government policies supporting renewable energy adoption.
- Ongoing: Increasing electricity demand in South Korea due to economic growth.
- Upcoming: Potential for new contracts for overseas power plant construction.
- Ongoing: Investments in smart grid technologies to improve grid efficiency.
Risks
- Potential: Regulatory changes impacting electricity pricing.
- Ongoing: Fluctuations in fuel prices affecting profitability.
- Potential: Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.
- Ongoing: Environmental regulations and carbon taxes increasing operating costs.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion into Renewable Energy: KEP can capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy in South Korea. The government's commitment to increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix presents a significant opportunity for KEP to invest in solar, wind, and other renewable projects. This expansion can drive revenue growth and enhance KEP's environmental credentials. The market for renewable energy in South Korea is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030.
- Smart Grid Technologies: Investing in smart grid technologies can improve the efficiency and reliability of KEP's transmission and distribution network. Smart grids enable better monitoring and control of electricity flow, reducing losses and improving grid stability. This investment can lead to cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. The global smart grid market is expected to reach $61.3 billion by 2028.
- Overseas Expansion: KEP can pursue growth opportunities in overseas markets, particularly in developing countries with growing electricity demand. By leveraging its expertise in power generation and transmission, KEP can secure contracts for building and operating power plants in these markets. This expansion can diversify KEP's revenue streams and reduce its reliance on the South Korean market. The global power generation market is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027.
- Nuclear Power Expertise: With its experience in nuclear power generation, KEP can leverage its expertise to secure contracts for nuclear power plant construction and maintenance in other countries. As countries seek to reduce their carbon emissions, nuclear power is likely to play a significant role in the energy mix. KEP's expertise in this area provides a competitive advantage. The global nuclear power market is expected to reach $45.3 billion by 2028.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents an opportunity for KEP to invest in EV charging infrastructure. By building and operating EV charging stations, KEP can generate revenue from EV charging services and support the growth of the EV market in South Korea. The global EV charging infrastructure market is projected to reach $144.9 billion by 2028.
Opportunities
- Expansion into renewable energy sources.
- Investments in smart grid technologies.
- Overseas expansion into developing markets.
- Development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Threats
- Increasing competition from independent power producers.
- Fluctuations in fuel prices.
- Environmental regulations and carbon taxes.
- Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.
Competitive Advantages
- Government-backed monopoly: KEP benefits from a dominant position in the South Korean electricity market.
- Extensive infrastructure: KEP's vast transmission and distribution network is difficult to replicate.
- Diverse energy portfolio: KEP's diversified generation mix provides resilience against fuel price fluctuations.
- Technical expertise: KEP has deep expertise in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
About
Founded in 1961, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) has evolved into South Korea's leading integrated electric utility company. The company is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity both within South Korea and internationally. KEP operates through several key segments: Transmission and Distribution, Nuclear Power Generation, Thermal Power Generation, and Others, ensuring a comprehensive approach to energy provision. KEP's power generation portfolio is diversified, encompassing nuclear, coal, oil, liquefied natural gas, internal combustion, combined-cycle, integrated gasification combined cycle, hydro, wind, solar, fuel cell, and biogas sources. As of December 31, 2021, KEP managed 763 generation units with an installed capacity of 82,459 megawatts. The company's extensive transmission network includes 34,923 circuit kilometers of lines and 892 substations. Its distribution system features 132,376 megavolt-amperes of transformer capacity and a total line length of 532,348 circuit kilometers. KEP serves a wide array of customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors, providing essential power for various needs. Beyond electricity generation and distribution, KEP offers utility plant maintenance, resources development, IT, and security services, solidifying its position as a comprehensive energy solutions provider.
What They Do
- Generates electricity from diverse sources including nuclear, coal, oil, and renewables.
- Transmits high-voltage electricity across South Korea through an extensive network.
- Distributes electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
- Maintains and operates power generation and transmission facilities.
- Develops and implements smart grid technologies to improve grid efficiency.
- Provides utility plant maintenance and related services.
- Sells nuclear fuel.
Business Model
- Generates revenue from the sale of electricity to end-users.
- Operates under a regulated pricing framework, ensuring stable revenue streams.
- Invests in infrastructure and technology to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Secures long-term contracts for power generation and transmission services.
Industry Context
Korea Electric Power Corporation operates within the regulated electric utility industry in South Korea, a market characterized by stable demand and government oversight. The industry is undergoing a transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by environmental concerns and government policies. KEP, as the dominant player, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend through its investments in solar, wind, and other renewable technologies. The competitive landscape includes independent power producers and other utility companies, but KEP's extensive infrastructure and established market presence provide a significant advantage. The South Korean electricity market is expected to grow steadily, driven by economic growth and increasing urbanization.
Key Customers
- Residential customers: Providing electricity to households across South Korea.
- Commercial customers: Supplying power to businesses, offices, and retail establishments.
- Industrial customers: Powering factories, manufacturing plants, and other industrial facilities.
- Agricultural customers: Providing electricity for farming and agricultural operations.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $28063.65B | $3822.53B | $2977.22 |
| Q2 2025 | $21950.14B | $1136.71B | $885.34 |
| Q1 2025 | $24223.98B | $2328.25B | $1813.38 |
| Q4 2024 | $22708.46B | $1015.70B | $791.09 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP) stock price: $17.68 (+1.02, +6.12%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying might signal confidence in KEP's future prospects, suggesting those in the know see value.
- •The community seems to believe KEP's long-term infrastructure projects are finally starting to pay off.
- •There's a growing perception that government support for KEP will remain strong, providing a safety net.
- •Positive community sentiment suggests a belief that KEP is adapting well to the changing energy landscape.
Why Bear
- •Community concerns are rising about KEP's debt levels and their potential impact on future growth.
- •Recent market developments suggest increased scrutiny of utility companies with heavy government ties.
- •There's a bearish view that KEP's reliance on traditional energy sources makes it vulnerable to disruption.
- •Insider selling, even if minor, is raising questions within the community about short-term performance expectations.
Latest News
-
Asian Equities Traded in US as ADRs Decline in Friday Trading
MT Newswires · Jan 30, 2026
-
Hecla Mining, Moderna, And Micron Are Among the Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Jan. 19-Jan. 23): Are the Others in Your Portfolio?
benzinga · Jan 25, 2026
-
Asian Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Edge Higher in Friday Trading; Lost 1.2% for Week
MT Newswires · Jan 23, 2026
-
Intel, Capital One Financial And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Friday's Pre-Market Session
benzinga · Jan 23, 2026
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for KEP including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for KEP.
Make a Prediction
Set your price target for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP), choose a timeframe, and track your prediction accuracy.
Current price: $17.68
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for KEP.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for KEP.
Insider Flow (30d)
No insider trades in the last 30 days.
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 4/100
Revenue grew only 6.6% YoY, suggesting the company is in a slower growth phase.
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Gross Margin 3/100
Gross margin of 17.4% is below average, suggesting thin margins and potential pricing pressure.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates KEP's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Latest News
Asian Equities Traded in US as ADRs Decline in Friday Trading
Hecla Mining, Moderna, And Micron Are Among the Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Jan. 19-Jan. 23): Are the Others in Your Portfolio?
Asian Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Edge Higher in Friday Trading; Lost 1.2% for Week
Intel, Capital One Financial And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Friday's Pre-Market Session
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Korea Electric Power Corporation do?
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) is the primary electric utility in South Korea, responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates a diverse portfolio of power plants, including nuclear, coal, oil, and renewable energy sources. KEP's extensive transmission network ensures reliable electricity supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the country. The company also provides related services such as utility plant maintenance and resources development. KEP plays a vital role in South Korea's energy security and economic development.
Is KEP stock a good buy?
KEP stock presents a potentially attractive investment opportunity, particularly given its low P/E ratio of 4.73 compared to industry peers. The company's dominant market position in South Korea and its diversified energy portfolio provide a stable foundation for future growth. While regulatory risks and fuel price volatility remain concerns, KEP's investments in renewable energy and smart grid technologies could drive long-term value creation. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and investment horizon before investing in KEP.
What are the main risks for KEP?
KEP faces several key risks, including regulatory changes impacting electricity pricing, fluctuations in fuel prices affecting profitability, and cybersecurity threats to its critical infrastructure. Environmental regulations and carbon taxes could also increase operating costs. Additionally, increasing competition from independent power producers could erode KEP's market share. These risks could negatively impact KEP's financial performance and stock price. Investors should carefully assess these risks before investing in KEP.
Is KEP a good stock to buy?
Whether KEP is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the KEP MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for KEP is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is KEP data updated?
KEP stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to KEP is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for KEP?
Growth catalysts for Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP)'s specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are KEP's main competitors?
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether KEP has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about KEP?
Wall Street analyst coverage for KEP includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is KEP's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for KEP is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows KEP's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has KEP stock performed recently?
KEP's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing KEP's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in KEP?
Key risk categories for KEP include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures KEP's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling KEP?
Insider trading activity for KEP tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is KEP a good stock for beginners?
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is KEP for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEP) (KEP). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like KEP.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on publicly available sources and may be subject to change.