Samsung Electronics confirms record third-quarter profit as AI memory demand lifts earnings

Samsung Electronics confirmed record revenue and operating profit for the July–September quarter on October 29 in South Korea, as demand for AI-related memory chips lifted earnings. Operating profit reached 107.44 trillion won, close to analysts’ estimates, and the company approved a 30 trillion won cash dividend.

How Samsung’s results compared with forecasts

Revenue was 195.25 trillion won, against an LSEG SmartEstimate of 195.79 trillion won cited by CNBC. Operating profit was 107.44 trillion won, against an estimate of 107.66 trillion won. Both figures fell slightly short of those forecasts, while the operating profit figure confirmed the company’s preliminary guidance issued on October 8.

The finalized figures add to Samsung’s earlier profit forecast. NewsJaws covered that forecast in its report on Samsung’s projected record quarterly profit.

Dividend and chip supply outlook

The Korea Herald reported that Samsung’s board approved a 30 trillion won dividend in a separate filing, payable on November 27. Reuters, in a report republished by Channel News Asia, put the payment at 4,601 won per share. The dividend falls under a shareholder-return plan announced in August that the Korea Herald valued at 90 trillion to 110 trillion won.

Samsung attributed its earnings growth to strong demand for AI-related semiconductors, Yonhap reported. Reuters reported that Samsung expects the chip supply shortage to deepen next year, echoing an outlook from rival SK hynix. That outlook matters to buyers of memory chips and investors assessing whether demand will continue to support prices and earnings. Reuters also reported that investors remained wary about the durability of AI spending.