The Bank of Korea published its first quarter 2026 financial statement analysis for non-financial enterprises, showing an improvement in growth, profitability and financial stability indicators. Sales growth accelerated to 13.5% in the first quarter of 2026 from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, while total asset growth rose to 4.7% from 1.4% a year earlier. Profitability increased markedly from the same period a year earlier. The operating income to sales ratio rose to 13.2% from 6.0%, and the income before taxes to sales ratio increased to 15.4% from 7.7%. Balance sheet indicators also improved versus the previous quarter, with the debt to equity ratio declining to 87.0% at end-March from 88.9% at end-December and the total borrowings and bonds payable to total assets ratio edging down to 23.9% from 24.4%. The statistics are based on financial statement data from 4,233 non-financial corporations in Korea that are legally required to undergo an external audit.
Bank of Korea2026-06-23
Bank of Korea reports stronger first quarter 2026 sales growth profitability and balance sheet metrics for non-financial companies
The Bank of Korea said first quarter 2026 financial results for non-financial companies improved across growth, profitability and financial stability measures. Sales growth accelerated to 13.5%, profitability ratios roughly doubled from a year earlier, and leverage indicators declined slightly from end-December.