Samsung Electronics has announced a groundbreaking third-quarter operating profit, exceeding 100 trillion won for the first time in the company's illustrious history. The preliminary figures reveal an operating profit of 107.4 trillion won (approximately $80.2 billion), a staggering 782% increase year-over-year, largely attributed to the insatiable demand for chips fueled by the artificial intelligence boom.
Despite these monumental gains, with revenue forecasts also soaring by nearly 127% from the previous year to about 195 trillion won, Samsung's shares experienced a slight dip of 0.7% on Thursday morning. Industry analysts point to exceptionally high market expectations surrounding AI-driven technology companies.
The Samsung logo represents the global technology leader and South Korean company Samsung Electronics, known for its Exynos and Snapdragon-powered mobile ecosystems, AMOLED display innovation, and the integration of Galaxy AI across its high-end device lineup. It is displayed on a large-scale illuminated sign during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on March 4, 2026.
Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images
Josh Gilbert, lead analyst for APAC at investment platform eToro, commented on the situation, stating, "Samsung has delivered a record profit and still fallen short of expectations, which tells you just how demanding the AI trade has become. When expectations are so high for memory makers, the market doesn't hand out points for effort."
Nevertheless, the underlying narrative for the chip sector remains robust. Gilbert emphasized that the surge in AI spending continues to drive demand for memory, while supply remains constrained. He highlighted the increasing sophistication of AI agents, which require significantly more memory than simpler chatbots. Furthermore, memory buyers are now entering multiyear supply agreements, offering Samsung enhanced visibility into future demand—a crucial factor in an industry historically concerned with cyclical downturns.
Building on strong previous performance, the company had reported record revenue of 171.5 trillion won and an operating profit of 89.5 trillion won in the second quarter, primarily fueled by its thriving memory business.
Samsung has also strategically bolstered its position in the AI landscape through significant investments and collaborations. In September, the tech giant forged a strategic partnership with French artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI, intending to integrate Mistral's advanced AI models across its semiconductor operations. The full, detailed third-quarter earnings report, including a breakdown by business division, is anticipated later this month.
