Samsung Electronics, a leading South Korean technology firm, has announced it expects to achieve a record profit of 20 trillion won ($13.8 billion) in the fourth quarter. As one of the world’s top memory chip manufacturers, the company provides essential components for artificial intelligence (AI) and its supporting infrastructure. The strong forecast is attributed to soaring demand for high-performance memory chips used in data centers and other AI-related infrastructure.
The projected operating profit of 19.8-20.1 trillion won would surpass the company’s previous record quarterly profit of 17.6 trillion won, set in the third quarter of 2018. If confirmed, this would represent a year-on-year increase of around 200 percent. Sales are also expected to range between 92 trillion and 94 trillion won, exceeding the previous record of 86 trillion won set in the third quarter of 2025.
The global demand for semiconductors, driven by the AI boom, has led to a significant increase in South Korea’s exports, with the country’s exports reaching an all-time high in 2025. South Korea is home to another key player in the global semiconductor market, SK hynix. The strong performance of the semiconductor industry has led to a surge in Samsung Electronics’ shares, which have risen by over 120 percent in the past six months.
Analysts attribute the growth to the rising demand for semiconductors, driven by the AI sector. According to Chung Hae-chang, an analyst at Daishin Securities, the chip industry is entering a “super-cycle” due to the increasing demand for semiconductors. The South Korean government has also vowed to increase its spending on AI, with President Lee Jae Myung pledging to triple the budget this year. This move aims to propel the country into the ranks of the world’s top three AI powers, alongside the United States and China.
The expected record profit and increased demand for semiconductors underscore the significance of the AI industry and its impact on the global technology landscape. As the demand for high-performance memory chips continues to grow, companies like Samsung Electronics are well-positioned to benefit from this trend. The company’s final earnings report, due to be released later this month, will provide further insight into its performance and the outlook for the industry.
