Samsung close to record profits on AI chip demand

Samsung Electronics is anticipated to record its strongest financial results in its history. Estimates suggest that its operating profit for the third quarter of 2026 will reach approximately 107.4 trillion won (around $80.2 billion), representing an almost ninefold increase compared to the same period last year. This surge is driven by rising demand for memory chips used in AI infrastructure. The company also expects its revenue to reach about 195 trillion won, a nearly 127% year-over-year increase, amid a record-high growth in the semiconductor market resulting from the expansion of tech companies in data centers and AI applications. This positive outlook is fueled by higher memory chip prices, especially high-performance HBM chips, with Samsung benefiting from its position as the world's largest memory producer. However, there may be some profit declines in other sectors due to increased component costs, particularly in mobile phones and consumer electronics. The company predicts that the ongoing chip boom will continue to pressure the memory market, while Samsung aims to strengthen its presence in the AI chip market by improving HBM product production and expanding capital investments, which could exceed $64 billion in 2027 to meet the growing demand. Despite these record-breaking results, the market remains cautious. Samsung's stock fell after the announcement, as profit growth is expected to slow in the fourth quarter due to a slowdown in memory price increases and the strength of the Korean won. The company is also working to narrow the gap with competitors such as SK Hynix and focusing on high-value memory technologies.

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