Samsung Electronics, a leading South Korean technology firm and one of the world’s top memory‑chip manufacturers, expects to post a record profit of 20 trillion won ($13.8 billion) in the fourth quarter. The forecast is driven by soaring demand for high‑performance memory chips that power data centers and other AI‑related infrastructure. If confirmed, the projected operating profit of 19.8‑20.1 trillion won would surpass the company’s previous quarterly record of 17.6 trillion won set in Q3 2018, representing a year‑on‑year increase of roughly 200 percent. Sales are also anticipated to reach 92‑94 trillion won, exceeding the prior record of 86 trillion won recorded in Q3 2025.
The global semiconductor boom, fueled by the AI surge, has boosted South Korea’s exports to an all‑time high in 2025. Alongside Samsung, the country’s other major player, SK Hynix, benefits from this trend. The strong performance of the semiconductor sector has driven Samsung’s share price up by more than 120 percent over the past six months. Analysts attribute this growth to rising semiconductor demand from the AI industry. Chung Hae‑chang of Daishin Securities says the chip market is entering a “super‑cycle” as semiconductor needs continue to climb.
The South Korean government is also increasing its commitment to AI. President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to triple the nation’s AI budget this year, aiming to place South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers alongside the United States and China. The expected record profit and heightened semiconductor demand highlight the AI industry’s significance and its impact on the global technology landscape. As the need for high‑performance memory chips expands, companies like Samsung Electronics are well positioned to capitalize on the trend. The company’s final earnings report, due later this month, will offer further insight into its performance and the industry’s outlook.
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