Posco (PKX) surged 7.17% in intraday trading on Thursday, as investors cheered a combination of robust quarterly results and a bullish new growth roadmap.

The rally was fueled by Posco Holdings' second-quarter earnings, which significantly exceeded analyst expectations. The steel giant reported earnings per share of 7,785 South Korean won, far above the consensus estimate of 1,203 won, while revenue rose to 19.259 trillion won from 17.556 trillion won a year earlier. This strong performance was mirrored by key subsidiaries, with Posco Future M swinging to a net profit of 23.14 billion won and Posco International posting a 166% jump in net income to 238.4 billion won, underscoring the group's diversified strength beyond traditional steelmaking.

Adding to the positive sentiment, Posco unveiled a mid-term strategy targeting consolidated revenue of 87.9 trillion won by 2028, supported by a 29.1 trillion won investment plan. The blueprint includes expanding overseas steel capacity, growing its lithium business to become a top global supplier, and strengthening its LNG value chain. The company also pledged to return 35% to 40% of adjusted net income to shareholders, further boosting investor confidence in its long-term growth trajectory.