The operator of South Korea’s CU convenience stores, BGF Retail, has achieved KRW189.5 billion (US$168.9 million) in operating profit last year, a leap of more than 600 per cent over last year.

The company said on Tuesday its sales had risen by 515.3 per cent to KRW5.77 trillion ($5.14 billion). The results confirmed market predictions of a major upswing for the firm following demerging into separate holding and operating entities in November 2017.

However, despite the improved trading figures, net profit dropped 98.1 per cent to KRW47.2 billion ($42.06 million). A statement by the firm explained that profits from some business activities made after the demerger had been attributed to the previous year’s statements.