# South Korean firms Q2 earnings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-firms-q2-earnings
> Updated: 2026-08-06T23:16:22.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, Kia announced its strongest second‑quarter ever, delivering 851,639 vehicles and generating 33.37 trillion won in revenue, a 12.6% year‑on‑year increase. The surge was driven by rapid growth in electric‑vehicle and hybrid sales, which together accounted for over a third of total deliveries. Despite the sales boom, Kia’s operating profit fell 4.9% to 2.63 trillion won, reflecting aggressive pricing incentives, higher warranty costs and a weaker won.

Two weeks later, Naver reported a record Q2 2024 consolidated revenue of 3.39 trillion won, up 16.2% year‑on‑year. Advertising revenue rose 7.5% thanks to AI‑based targeting, while service and financial platform revenues also posted strong gains. Operating profit slipped only 0.2% to 520.3 billion won, a decline attributed to expanded AI infrastructure spending. The company highlighted growth in AI‑driven B2B offerings and a partnership with Nvidia expected to generate revenue from early 2027.

Additional details from Naver's reporting indicate that AI integration contributed to over 60% of the increase in advertising revenue. Furthermore, the company saw significant growth in its global C2C sector through platforms such as Wallapop and Poshmark.

Both companies illustrate a broader trend among South Korean corporations: robust top‑line growth driven by technology and electrification, coupled with modest pressure on profitability as firms invest heavily in new capabilities and price competitiveness.

## Claims

- Naver reported Q2 2024 revenue of 3.3888 trillion won, up 16.2% year‑on‑year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Naver's Q2 operating profit was 520.3 billion won, down 0.2% year‑on‑year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Advertising revenue grew 7.5% YoY, with AI targeting contributing over 60% of the growth. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Service revenue increased 31.3% YoY, driven by Naver Plus Store, membership and N‑delivery. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Npay transaction volume reached 25.2 trillion won, up 21% YoY. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Financial platform revenue rose 16% YoY. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Global‑Challenge (C2C) revenue grew 24.4% YoY, led by Walapop, Foshimark and Soda. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Naver and Nvidia plan an AI‑factory partnership that will start generating revenue from H1 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Naver reports record Q2 revenue amid rising AI infrastructure investment

Naver achieved record Q2 revenue of 3.38 trillion KRW, driven by AI-integrated advertising and global C2C growth, despite a slight operating profit dip from increased AI infrastructure investment.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/naver-posts-record-q2-revenue-of-339-trillion-won-operating-profit-slips-02

### 2026-07-24: Kia posts record Q2 sales and revenue as operating profit falls

Kia achieved record Q2 sales of 851,639 units and a revenue high of 33.37 trillion won, but operating profit fell 4.9% to 2.63 trillion won amid pricing incentives and higher warranty costs.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kia-posts-record-q2-sales-and-revenue-as-operating-profit-falls

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Cite as: South Korean firms Q2 earnings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-firms-q2-earnings