Korean shipbuilder DSME has topped analysts' profit estimates in the first quarter, despite weaker results year-on-year.

Operating earnings were KRW 199.62bn ($167.8m), compared to KRW 298.6bn a year ago.

The forecast range was between KRW 66.56bn and KRW 110bn, according to Bloomberg data.

Net earnings came in at KRW 195.18bn, against a range of KRW 43.17bn to KRW 86.49bn.

It made KRW 226.3bn