Kakao, a South Korean mobile platform provider, reported an increase in operating profit for the third quarter, despite a drop in sales.

The company announced an operating profit of 130.5 billion won (US$93.48 million), a 5% rise from the previous year, while sales decreased by 4% to 1.92 trillion won (US$1.44 billion).

The platform division, including Kakao Talk, showed growth, with a 7% increase in revenue, reaching 943.5 billion won (US$707.63 million).

Conversely, the content division, which includes digital comics, saw a 14% decline.

Operating profits improved amid Kakao’s cost-reduction efforts, including a 5% decline in operating costs through cautious hiring and reduced sales-related expenses.

Recent Kakao developments