Samsung flags US$80 billion profit on AI boom, highest quarterly for any tech company

Samsung Electronics has forecasted a record-high third-quarter profit of US$74 billion, marking the tech giant's fourth consecutive quarter of record earnings. The projection, which represents a nearly nine-fold increase from the previous quarter, is driven by soaring demand for AI-chip memory sales. Samsung's operating profit for the July to September period is estimated at 107.4 trillion won, slightly surpassing an LSEG SmartEstimate of 106.1 trillion won.

This forecast underscores the growing global memory chip shortage, fueled by AI infrastructure investment outpacing supply growth, causing chip prices to surge. Analysts predict the imbalance will persist until 2028, albeit with potential risks from rising costs, Chinese competition, and possible US semiconductor tariffs. While Samsung's semiconductor and foundry businesses face mounting challenges due to higher component costs, the memory chip boom provides a significant boost to the overall earnings.