Samsung Electronics Shatters Records with Q3 Earnings Boosted by Semiconductor Rebound

Samsung Electronics has achieved groundbreaking third-quarter results, exceeding market expectations due to a remarkable comeback in its semiconductor business. The company reported a record-breaking operating profit of KRW 12.1 trillion and consolidated revenue reaching KRW 86 trillion. This marks its strongest quarterly performance yet, setting new benchmarks for growth in both profits and revenue.

On October 14, Samsung revealed preliminary estimates for Q3 2025, showcasing an 8.72% increase in revenue and a substantial 31.81% surge in operating profit compared to the same period in the previous year. Quarter-over-quarter growth was even more striking, with operating profit skyrocketing by 158.55%, surpassing KRW 10 trillion for the first time in five quarters and hitting its highest level since Q2 2022. These results outperformed market expectations, beating the consensus estimate of KRW 10.3 trillion by 17%.

Semiconductor Division Fuels Samsung’s Record-Breaking Success

The primary driver of Samsung's exceptional Q3 performance was its semiconductor arm, the Device Solutions (DS) division. Industry analysts estimate the DS business achieved up to KRW 6 trillion in operating profit—a monumental jump from KRW 400 billion in the previous quarter. The semiconductor segment reclaimed its role as Samsung's growth engine after navigating challenges like U.S.-China trade restrictions and inventory write-offs.

Several factors contributed to this dramatic turnaround. Rising demand for server memory, robust sales growth in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and a reduction in losses within the non-memory segment played pivotal roles. “DRAM shipments and average selling prices are rising simultaneously, and foundry yield improvements are also encouraging,” noted Jung Min-kyu, an analyst at SangSangin Securities. Losses in the non-memory business narrowed significantly to approximately KRW 1 trillion.

The semiconductor division's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to drive demand for server memory, prompting Samsung to further ramp up HBM shipments. A significant milestone came with Samsung sealing a major deal to supply high-performance memory for OpenAI’s ambitious AI initiative, "Stargate." Additionally, Samsung is poised to elevate its market position by delivering HBM3E and HBM4 technologies to leading clients such as AMD and NVIDIA.

Other Divisions Demonstrate Steady Growth

While the semiconductor division stole the spotlight, Samsung’s other business units also performed admirably, contributing to the company’s overall success. The key contributors include the Mobile Experience (MX) and Networks division, which is estimated to have secured an operating profit in the KRW 3 trillion range driven by strong sales of new foldable smartphones.

The Display segment added further to the earnings, achieving profits between KRW 1.1 trillion and KRW 1.2 trillion, while the TV and home appliance division contributed KRW 300 billion to KRW 400 billion. Harman, Samsung’s automotive and audio subsidiary, posted estimated earnings of KRW 900 billion to KRW 1 trillion.

Commenting on Samsung's strategic positioning, Ryu Young-ho, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities, stated, “Samsung's growth trajectory will be underscored by a combination of expanding HBM supply and increasing memory prices. On top of this, the non-memory, display, and mobile divisions are expected to maintain their recovery trends.”

Conclusion: Samsung Solidifies Leadership with Diverse Growth Drivers

Samsung Electronics has leveraged the resurgence of its semiconductor division alongside solid performance across MX, display, and other business units, delivering a record-breaking quarter that surpassed even the most optimistic expectations. With accelerating demand for server memory powered by AI proliferation and strong momentum in consumer electronics, Samsung is well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory. As the company continues to innovate across both its memory and non-memory businesses, it reaffirms its prominence in the global technology ecosystem.