Samsung Projects Record Q3 Operating Profit Exceeding 100 Trillion Won

Samsung Electronics has released a dramatic third-quarter forecast, projecting operating profits for July through September will exceed 100 trillion won (approximately $80.17 billion). This unprecedented achievement sets a new global record for a technology company, reflecting an almost ninefold surge in operating profit compared to the same period last year, slightly outperforming market analyst forecasts.

The primary driver behind this unbelievable surge is soaring demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence applications, which has fueled a sharp increase in sales. The current forecast marks a fourth consecutive quarter of record profits for the world's largest memory chip manufacturer, highlighting a worsening global shortage in the market.

Rapid growth in AI infrastructure investments is outpacing supply expansion rates, sending chip prices soaring. Samsung and American competitor Micron estimate that this supply-demand imbalance will persist into 2028, though factors such as growing competition from China and a potential slowdown in AI spending could pose risks to the longer-term outlook.

Despite the record reports, the company's shares showed only moderate fluctuation with a slight 0.2% drop in early trading. In the background, shares have plummeted about 25% since hitting an all-time high in June, driven by investor concerns regarding the future of the AI sector.

Additionally, analysts recently downgraded forecasts due to the sharp strengthening of the South Korean currency, which harms the value of international sales denominated in dollars. Market observers note that investor focus has shifted to evaluating the ability to maintain rapid growth, with fourth-quarter profit growth expected to decelerate to just 8.2% alongside a moderation in chip price increases.

Total company revenue for the third quarter is projected to skyrocket by 127%.