{
  "id": 6377199,
  "title": "Corporate sales growth, profitability improve in Q2",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/corporate-sales-growth-profitability-improve-in-q2",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T03:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20260909/corporate-sales-growth-profitability-improve-in-q2"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Korean businesses experienced stronger sales growth and enhanced profitability in the second quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on Wednesday. The surge in corporate sales was primarily driven by chipmakers and petrochemical firms. Overall, corporate sales rose by 26.7 percent on a quarter-over-quarter basis, compared to a 13.5 percent increase in the previous quarter. This growth was measured based on a review of 26,509 companies subjected to external audits.\n\nManufacturers saw particularly impressive sales growth, with a 39.6 percent increase on a quarter-over-quarter basis, up from 21.1 percent in the previous three-month period. The strength of chipmakers was a major factor behind this surge. In contrast, the non-manufacturing sector recorded a 9.7 percent expansion in sales during the same timeframe, marking a significant acceleration from the 3.7 percent rise in the preceding quarter.\n\nThe maritime transport industry was identified as a key contributor to the gains, particularly following the Middle East war. On the profitability front, the operating profit-to-sales ratio improved notably, reaching 16.9 percent in the second quarter compared to 5.1 percent a year earlier. Additionally, the average debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 84.5 percent in the second quarter from 87 percent in the previous quarter, indicating a more favorable financial position for these businesses.",
  "summary": "Korean businesses posted higher sales growth and improved profitability in the second quarter of 2026, led mainly by chipmakers and petrochemical firms, central bank data showed Wednesday. Corporate sales surged 26.7 percent on-quarter in the April-June period, compared with a 13.5 percent increase in the previous quarter, according to data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). The findings are based on…",
  "key_points": [
    "Korean corporate sales grew 26.7% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026",
    "Manufacturers led growth with 39.6% increase, driven by chipmakers",
    "Profitability improved, operating profit-to-sales ratio at 16.9%"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Corporate sales growth, profitability improve in Q2",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/corporate-sales-growth-profitability-improve-in-q2-6377397",
        "published": "2026-09-09T03:01:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Corporate sales growth, profitability improve in Q2",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/corporate-sales-growth-profitability-improve-in-q2-6382733",
        "published": "2026-09-09T04:57:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}