What it is
A turnaround means operating (or net) profit moved from negative to positive. The opposite, a swing from profit to loss, is called 적자전환 in Korean. Unless stated otherwise, operating profit is the usual yardstick.
How it is compared
Quarterly results are seasonal, so Korean reports usually compare with the same quarter a year earlier. A ₩3bn operating loss in last year's second quarter followed by a ₩2bn profit this second quarter is a year-on-year turnaround.
What to keep in mind
Asset sales or one-off cost cuts can produce a profit, so investors often check whether revenue grew too and whether the next quarter holds up. Provisional figures can differ from the periodic report.
Operating profit and net profit differ
Operating profit is what the core business earned; net profit comes after interest, tax, equity-method results and asset disposals. A company can post an operating loss but a net profit from selling an asset, or an operating profit but a net loss under heavy interest costs. Check which line turned positive.
Where to check it
Provisional results filings and the filing companies make when revenue or profit swings sharply both carry the year-earlier figure, so the turnaround is visible in the filing itself. We compile those into a turnaround screener list and the quarterly earnings rankings, with revenue and operating profit by quarter on each stock page.
This explanation is general information, not investment advice. Rules reflect September 2026 and may change; check official exchange and broker notices.