Listed companies’ Q4 operating profit forecast to increase 2.6 times on-year

Amid growing expectations for an economic recovery in South Korea, corporate earnings are expected to improve significantly from the fourth quarter of 2023 onwards.

According to market data tracker FnGuide Inc. on Thursday, the fourth-quarter operating profit outlook for 258 Korean listed companies, estimated by three or more securities firms, is expected to be 42.49 trillion won ($32.88 billion), up 164 percent, or 2.6 times, from the 16.99 trillion won figure during the same period a year earlier. Sales are expected to come in at 653.97 trillion won, down 1.9 percent from 666.94 trillion won a year earlier.