Advertisement

Korean Air’s 4Q profit triples on currency gains but weak cargo hits operating earnings

SEOUL, South Korea – Korean Air Lines Co. says fourth quarter profit more than tripled because of the stronger won, masking losses from a weak cargo business.

The South Korean flag carrier said Friday its net income rose to 140 billion won ($128 million) in the October-December period from 44.5 billion won a year earlier.

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.

Get weekly money news

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

It said the stronger won reduced its U.S. dollar debts, resulting in an accounting gain.

But weak cargo and a decline in passengers from Japan resulted in a 17.6 billion won operating loss, compared with 77 billion won operating profit a year earlier. The operating result excludes currency fluctuations to provide a clearer picture of financial performance.

The company blamed the drop in cargo shipments on weak trade. Outbound cargos also fell as local companies moved manufacturing facilities overseas.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices