Preliminary operating profit amounted to 2.4 trillion won (1.8 billion U.S. dollars) during the July-September quarter, down 77.9 percent compared to the same quarter of last year.
It topped market expectations of about 1.84 trillion won (1.4 billion dollars) due to a lower deficit in the chip business.
Preliminary revenue declined 12.7 percent over the year to 67 trillion won (50 billion dollars) in the third quarter.
Net income and detailed earnings in each business unit will be unveiled later this month.
