Samsung Electronics is expected to report a sharp jump in third-quarter operating profit as demand for artificial-intelligence infrastructure continues to strain global memory-chip supply.
A Reuters analysis of LSEG estimates put expected operating profit at 106.1 trillion won, nearly nine times the year-earlier level.
Memory remains the engine
AI servers require large amounts of high-bandwidth and conventional memory, allowing chipmakers to maintain unusually strong pricing power. Samsung has also been working to narrow the gap with SK Hynix in high-bandwidth memory used alongside AI processors.
Analysts have trimmed forecasts since August as memory price increases moderate and the Korean won strengthens. Even so, the expected result would extend a run of record profitability for Samsung.
The company’s preliminary quarterly figures will be closely watched for signs of whether the memory shortage can persist into 2027 and beyond.
Sources
- Reuters analysis of LSEG SmartEstimate data, Oct. 6-7, 2026
- Samsung Electronics investor relations / recent earnings guidance
