Samsung posts record profit in Q3 on AI chip boom
Samsung Electronics reported third-quarter operating profit of 107.4 trillion won ($80.04 billion), up from 12.2 trillion won a year earlier, as its semiconductor division posted a 15-fold increase. The company said AI-driven memory demand would far exceed industry supply in 2027 and announced a 30 trillion won dividend.
1. Record quarterly profit
Samsung Electronics said operating profit rose nearly ninefold to a record 107.4 trillion won ($80.04 billion) in the July-to-September quarter, from 12.2 trillion won a year earlier. Its semiconductor division's profit jumped 15-fold to 106.5 trillion won, accounting for almost all of the group's total profit.
2. AI memory outlook
Samsung said AI infrastructure capital expenditure is expected to reach a historic level in 2027 as the AI ecosystem expands, and that AI-driven demand will far exceed industry supply compared with 2026. It flagged that the chip shortage was expected to deepen next year.
3. Dividend and shares
Samsung said it would pay 30 trillion won in dividends for the third quarter, or 4,601 won per share. Its shares fell 4.6% in early trade, while SK Hynix shares rose 0.7%.
