Samsung’s Record $80 Billion Profit Beats Estimates as AI Memory Demand Surges

South Korea's KOSPI index fell 2.62% to 6,625.93 despite Samsung Electronics(005930) reporting record earnings of 10.74 trillion won. Foreign and institutional selling, ETF rebalancing, and profit-taking drove the decline. Samsung's stock dropped 2.42%, while LG Energy Solution(373220) and Samsung SDI gained. Other major stocks like SK hynix(000660) and Hyundai Motor also fell.

Samsung Electronics reported a record quarterly operating profit of 107.4 trillion won, up 782.5% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for memory chips. Revenue also hit a record 195 trillion won. Despite this, shares fell 1.77% amid broader market declines. Analysts estimate memory business profits offset losses in other divisions. The company plans to expand production and offer employee bonuses in shares.

Samsung Electronics reported a record quarterly profit of 107.4 trillion won ($80.17 billion), driven by strong demand for AI chips. This marks a nearly nine-fold increase in earnings, surpassing estimates. The company is the world's largest memory chip maker.

Samsung 005930 forecasted a 783% year-over-year increase in quarterly operating profit to $80 billion, driven by AI memory demand. Revenue is expected to rise 126.6% to 195 trillion won. Despite strong earnings, shares slipped 0.2% in early trading, reflecting investor caution about the sustainability of the boom.

Samsung Electronics projected Q3 2026 operating profit of 107.4T won and sales of 195T won, driven by AI demand, memory chip recovery, and smartphone market improvements. The company's diverse portfolio and strategic focus on high-value products contributed to the strong outlook.

Samsung Electronics reported a record Q3 operating profit of 107.4 trillion won, up 782.5% YoY, driven by strong semiconductor demand. Revenue reached 195 trillion won, with an operating margin of 55.1%. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of record earnings, exceeding market expectations.