Tech giant Samsung Electronics is expected to record its highest third-quarter profit in three years, driven by a rebound in memory chip prices and growing demand from global data centers and AI-focused industries.
According to LSEG SmartEstimate data compiled from 31 analysts, Samsung’s operating profit for the July–September quarter is projected at 10.1 trillion won ($7.11 billion), reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year. Analysts attribute this growth primarily to rising conventional memory chip prices, which offset slower sales of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips.
Samsung, the world’s largest manufacturer of memory semiconductors, has yet to supply its latest 12-layer HBM3E chips to Nvidia, a factor that analysts say has slightly limited its profit margin and share performance. However, the overall recovery in traditional chip pricing has strengthened its position in the semiconductor market.
HBM chips play a crucial role in powering artificial intelligence (AI) systems by enabling faster processing and energy efficiency through vertically stacked chip design. Analysts noted that increasing demand from hyperscale data centers and AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT has significantly boosted demand for server-grade memory.
Recent market data from TrendForce shows that DRAM chip prices—used extensively in smartphones, servers, and PCs—have jumped over 170% compared to the same quarter last year.
While rivals SK Hynix and Micron have benefited more from AI-specific memory sales, Samsung’s expansion into strategic partnerships with major tech firms is expected to accelerate future growth. The company’s recent collaborations with Tesla and OpenAI signal renewed investor confidence, especially after Samsung announced a $16.5 billion foundry deal with Tesla in July.
The partnership aligns with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit to South Korea earlier this month, where Samsung, SK Hynix, and OpenAI agreed to jointly supply next-generation memory chips for the Stargate project.
Analyst Ryu Young-ho from NH Investment & Securities noted that these developments mark a turning point for Samsung’s foundry business, adding that successful execution of the Tesla project could open doors to more global orders.
Despite optimism, market analysts remain cautious about ongoing challenges, including potential U.S. tariffs on semiconductor exports and China’s tightened restrictions on rare earth materials crucial to chip manufacturing.
Samsung’s official financial estimates are expected to be released on Tuesday, with full quarterly results due later this month.
