Samsung Posts Strong Q3 Beat on AI Memory Boom as TSMC Heads for Record
AI-driven demand for server memory is lifting profits at leading chipmakers, with Samsung’s rebound now confirmed and TSMC projected to follow later this week.
Overview
- Samsung’s preliminary results show operating profit of 12.1 trillion won for July–September, up 31.8% year over year, on revenue of 86 trillion won.
- Quarter on quarter, Samsung’s operating profit jumped 158.6% and revenue rose 15.3%, reflecting stronger pricing and volumes in mainstream DRAM and NAND.
- Analysts cite AI workload growth pushing up memory prices, with TrendForce estimating some DRAM prices climbed 171.8% from a year earlier in Q3.
- Samsung still faces HBM challenges despite recent HBM3E shipments to Nvidia being noted as improving but limited, while analysts say it may have regained memory market leadership in Q3.
- TSMC is forecast by LSEG SmartEstimate to report a record NT$415.4 billion net profit for Q3 on surging AI infrastructure demand, though potential U.S. tariffs and Chinese export controls remain key risks.