Samsung posts record profit as AI lifts the memory market

Samsung reported a preliminary operating profit of 20 trillion won for the December quarter and revenue of 93 trillion won as strong AI-server demand pushed DRAM prices up more than 30% and NAND prices about 20% sequentially.

Samsung reported a preliminary operating profit of 20 trillion won for the quarter through December, marking a record and more than tripling from a year earlier. Revenue rose to 93 trillion won. The company and analysts linked the gains to sharply higher memory prices driven by demand for AI servers. Memory makers have shifted production toward higher-end chips for AI customers, reducing supply of standard memory used in everyday devices. Key developments: - The company reported a preliminary operating profit of 20 trillion won, up about 208%, and revenue of 93 trillion won, up about 23%. - The article reports average selling prices rose sharply: DRAM jumped more than 30% sequentially in the December quarter and NAND rose about 20%. - Research firms and analysts cited in the article expect strong price levels through 2026 and possibly into the first half of 2027; Counterpoint Research forecasts DDR5 prices up about 40% in the current quarter and a further 20% in the next quarter. - Memory producers are diverting capacity to high-end chips for AI customers such as Nvidia, creating tighter supply for standard memory for laptops and servers. - The article mentions Samsung delivered HBM4 samples to Nvidia last year for qualification, and that some analysts expect HBM shipments to increase in 2026 as commercial supply of HBM4 begins. - The article mentions Samsung's shares slid 1.6% in pre-market trade despite strong gains last year, and that more than 10 analysts recently raised target prices. - Samsung will provide a full financial statement with net income and divisional breakdowns on Jan. 29. Summary: Higher memory prices tied to AI-server demand lifted Samsung to a record quarterly operating profit and record revenue. The company will release full financial details on Jan. 29, and research firms and analysts cited in the article project strong memory price trends through 2026 and into 2027, while timing for broader HBM4 commercial production remains a notable factor.