Samsung Electronics is projected to reach a quarterly operating profit of 108.1 trillion won ($80.2 billion) for the third quarter, according to brokerage estimates compiled by FnGuide. This figure would mark the first time the company has surpassed the 100 trillion won threshold, driven by a surge in memory chip sales that offsets losses in consumer electronics, The Korea Herald reported.
Memory chip gains drive profit surge
The projected 108.1 trillion won profit represents a nearly ninefold increase from the previous year. Revenue is expected to hit 201.7 trillion won, a 134.4 percent increase. These forecasts would eclipse the records set in the second quarter, when the company reported sales of 171.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.4 trillion won.
Growth is primarily anchored in the Device Solutions division. Demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), DDR5 conventional DRAM, and enterprise solid-state drives (NAND) has pushed margins higher. Industry estimates suggest the semiconductor division’s operating margin for the third quarter will land between 72% and 75%, with the DRAM business potentially exceeding 80%.
Samsung expands HBM market share for Nvidia chips
Samsung has aggressively expanded its footprint in the AI chip sector. According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung’s share of the HBM market grew from 21% in the first quarter to 33% in the second quarter.
The company’s growth trajectory depends on the rollout of sixth-generation HBM4 chips. These components are slated for integration into Nvidia’s new Vera Rubin AI accelerator during the second half of this year.
Foundry losses and consumer electronics slump
While memory chips thrive, other divisions are struggling. The Device Experience (DX) division, which manages mobile devices and electronic appliances, is expected to report a wider loss than the 800 billion won recorded in the second quarter. This decline stems from stagnating demand and rising raw material costs.
The foundry and System LSI businesses—responsible for contract chipmaking and non-memory design—are also expected to remain in the red for the third quarter. Although the foundry business has secured orders from global tech firms, Han Jin-man, president and head of the foundry business, has set 2028 as the target for a return to profitability.
Quarterly profit comparisons
| Entity | Reported/Projected Profit | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics (Projected) | $80.2 billion (108.1 trillion won) | Q3 (Current) |
| Saudi Aramco | $86.5 billion | Q2 2022 |
| Samsung Electronics (Actual) | 89.4 trillion won | Q2 (Previous) |
Samsung financial outlook questions
When will Samsung release official numbers?
The company is scheduled to release its preliminary earnings guidance this Thursday.
Why is the foundry business losing money despite new orders?
While the company has secured major contracts from global tech giants, these deals take significant time to translate into actual revenue, leading to a profitability target of 2028.
How does this profit compare to annual totals?
The projected third-quarter profit of 108.1 trillion won is roughly twice the company’s full-year total for 2025.
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