IBK Industrial Bank of Korea analyzed first-half results for Kosdaq-listed companies and found performance improved sharply, led by semiconductors. Total operating profit for all listed firms rose 60.4 percent from a year earlier. The operating margin for semiconductors and related equipment rose to 12.4 percent from 6.9 percent in the first half of last year.

The bank on Wednesday released the results of its analysis of first-half performance for 1,581 Kosdaq-listed companies.

Sales at the surveyed companies rose 14.5 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit jumped 60.4 percent. The operating margin was tallied at 5.2 percent, up 1.5 percentage points from the first half of last year.

Growth rates also differed markedly by company size. Sales at small and midsize companies rose 20.2 percent, while large companies posted an 8.8 percent increase.

The bank analyzed the gap as stemming from differences in industry composition. It said media accounted for 25 percent of Kosdaq-listed large companies, while semiconductors made up only 6.8 percent, limiting their relative benefit from improved semiconductor conditions.

By industry, IT services posted the highest sales growth at 50.8 percent, followed by semiconductors and related equipment at 32.1 percent and electronic equipment and devices at 20.1 percent.

In particular, the operating margin for semiconductors and related equipment rose 5.5 percentage points to 12.4 percent from 6.9 percent in the first half of last year. The results showed profitability improved along with expanded sales.

The analysis was conducted as part of activities by the bank's 'IBK Kosdaq Revitalisation TF'. The bank plans to improve access to capital markets by expanding investment information on Kosdaq companies and supporting investor relations briefings.

An IBK official said, "We conducted the analysis to improve access to information on Kosdaq companies and help market participants better understand them." The official added, "We will continue to expand company research materials and IR support."