Samsung Projects Record $80 Billion Profit on AI Chip Boom

Samsung Electronics projected third-quarter operating profit of 107.4 trillion won, or about $80.2 billion, on Thursday. The forecast marks the first time a technology company has exceeded 100 trillion won in quarterly operating profit. Revenue is expected to reach 195 trillion won, up 127% from a year earlier.

The record result reflects soaring demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence data centers. Tight supplies of DRAM, NAND and high-bandwidth memory have pushed chip prices higher, boosting Samsung’s semiconductor earnings. The company expects the memory shortage to persist into 2028, although investors remain concerned about slowing AI investment and rising competition.

Samsung shares were little changed after the announcement, as markets weighed the record profit against questions about its durability. The company’s mobile and consumer electronics businesses also face higher component costs, while its contract chipmaking operation remains under pressure. Samsung will release its detailed third-quarter results on October 29.