Samsung Electronics Q3 Operating Profit Poised to Break 100 Trillion Won for First Time

Samsung Electronics' Q3 revenue is estimated at 206.64 trillion won, with operating profit projected at 116.38 trillion won, potentially surpassing 100 trillion won for the first time. SK Hynix's Q3 revenue is estimated at 101.76 trillion won, with operating profit of 79.16 trillion won.

ChainCatcher, citing Seoul Economic Daily, reports that prices of HBM and DRAM used in AI accelerators continue to surge. According to the Korea International Trade Association, DRAM export volume fell 13.2% from approximately 681.7 million units in May to 591.74 million units in July, while export value rose 18.5% from $11.428 billion to $13.552 billion, with average selling price up 36.6% from $16.76 to $22.90. HBM4 supply expansion to customers including Nvidia, coupled with lower initial yields compared to HBM3E, has exacerbated DRAM supply shortages. Samsung's memory division is reportedly allocating approximately 70% of production capacity to long-term supply agreements through 2031, primarily with Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google. Mega Grid Supply data shows HBM3E 36GB spot prices at approximately $2,100 (roughly 4-5 times long-term agreement prices), while HBM4 16-layer spot prices stand at approximately $3,500 amid mass production coordination. Samsung is considering converting S5, the only foundry line at its Pyeongtaek campus, to memory production as early as next year.

[ChainCatcher]