Samsung Electronics forecasts a third-quarter operating profit of ₩107.4 trillion, equivalent to $80.17 billion. This figure represents a 783% increase compared to the previous year and exceeds the LSEG analyst consensus of ₩106.1 trillion. Revenue is expected to reach approximately ₩195 trillion, or $145.8 billion, marking a 127% year-over-year growth.
The semiconductor division drove these results, fueled by high demand for DRAM and HBM memory chips for AI data centers. Bernstein estimates that average DRAM prices rose by approximately 20% in the third quarter, with analysts projecting a further 10–15% increase by year-end. Samsung reported a nearly 50% quarter-over-quarter growth in HBM shipments.
Despite record figures, the company's mobile division faced losses exceeding $1 billion due to rising component costs. The foundry business also remains unprofitable due to high fixed costs and low capacity utilization. Analysts expect operating profit growth to slow to 8.2% in the fourth quarter, down from approximately 20% in the third quarter.
Samsung and Micron anticipate that memory shortages will persist until at least 2028. Key risks for the industry include rising competition from Chinese manufacturers and a potential slowdown in AI infrastructure spending. Final financial results for the third quarter are scheduled for release on October 29.
