- Samsung reported a record preliminary operating profit of 89.4 trillion won ($58.4 billion) for Q2 2026, marking a 19-fold increase compared to the previous year.
- The company's revenue for the quarter reached 171 trillion won, exceeding analysts' expectations of 169.2 trillion won.
- Despite the strong earnings report, Samsung shares fell nearly 5% on Tuesday as investors reacted to the profit report after a significant rally.
- The surge in profits is attributed to the skyrocketing demand for memory chips used in AI data centers, which has significantly impacted the semiconductor market.
- Samsung's stock market value has more than doubled since the beginning of the year, reflecting strong investor interest prior to the recent decline.
Samsung's second-quarter operating profit reached a record 89.4 trillion won ($58.4 billion), marking a 19-fold increase from the previous year, driven by unprecedented demand for AI memory chips.12
The company reported revenue of 171 trillion won, surpassing analysts' expectations of 169.2 trillion won.34
Analysts had projected an operating income of 84.2 trillion won, highlighting the significant impact of the AI boom on Samsung's performance.
"This has everything to do with the AI boom as memory companies continue to ride a tidal wave driven by limited supply and unprecedented demand," said industry analyst Marc Einstein from Counterpoint Research.
Despite the record profits, Samsung's shares fell by 5.5% in Seoul, reflecting investor concerns over future supply constraints and pricing pressures. The company's stock market value has more than doubled since the start of the year.9
Research firm IDC noted that demand for semiconductors for AI infrastructure is unlike anything the memory industry has faced before, with expectations of tight supplies continuing into next year.
Samsung's results also included one-off expenses related to employee bonuses following labor negotiations, which have been a point of contention within the company.
The tech giant's performance underscores the dual-edged nature of the AI boom, where soaring profits are met with market volatility and supply chain challenges.
“The 89.4 trillion won operating profit dwarfed Samsung's performance for all of 2025, while revenue hit 171 trillion won. Analysts had projected 84.2 trillion won, and Samsung shares traded nearly 5% lower at Tuesday's open amid profit-taking after a 100% gain this year.”
BBC
CNBC
