Samsung Electronics on Tuesday projected a 32 percent rise in third-quarter operating profit, outperforming market expectations on the back of robust demand for traditional memory chips, even as high-bandwidth memory sales slowed.
The South Korean tech giant estimated its July–September operating profit at roughly 12.1 trillion won ($8.5 billion) — its best quarterly result since mid-2022 and about 17 percent higher than analysts’ forecasts, according to figures from Yonhap’s financial data subsidiary.
The rebound underscores renewed strength in the global semiconductor market, where resurgent demand for server and artificial intelligence chips has buoyed prices and shipments of DRAM and NAND components.
“Samsung has reclaimed the top spot in memory market revenue this quarter,” said MS Hwang, research director at Counterpoint, in comments to AFP. “That momentum comes from stronger-than-expected demand and pricing for general-purpose DRAM and NAND, supported by AI-driven server investments.”
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Samsung’s regulatory filing showed sales climbing 8.7 percent to 86 trillion won, with final earnings data expected later this month.
The company’s recent strategic partnerships also signal a deeper push into the AI hardware race. In July, Samsung inked a $16.5 billion deal with Tesla to manufacture its next-generation AI6 chip at the firm’s new Texas plant. It has also signed preliminary agreements with OpenAI to supply chips and other hardware for its upcoming Stargate computing project.
Analysts say Samsung’s performance is further bolstered by its mobile division, which has benefited from a stronger product mix and steady demand for its flagship foldable smartphones.
“The new Galaxy Z Fold7 and other premium devices are lifting average selling prices and supporting margins,” said Counterpoint’s vice president Neil Shah.
Samsung’s stock gained 2.8 percent in early Seoul trading following the announcement.