SEOUL: CJ Cheiljedang Corp. on Tuesday reported a third-quarter net profit of 212.2 billion won (US$151.4 million), marking an 8 percent decrease from the previous year. Despite the decline in net income, the company saw a rise in operating income and a slight drop in sales during the July-September period, according to the company's recent regulatory filing. The operating income increased by 5.1 percent to 416.2 billion won, whereas sales marginally decreased by 0.4 percent to 7.41 trillion won. According to Yonhap News Agency, the earnings figures surpassed market expectations. Analysts had projected an average net profit of 162 billion won, based on a survey conducted by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data service of Yonhap News Agency. The company's performance, particularly in terms of operating income, suggests a strong operational execution despite the challenges reflected in the net income figures.