Samsung reported a record operating profit in the third quarter of 2026, a result directly linked to the high demand for semiconductors used in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In the period between July and September, the South Korean corporation's operating result reached 107.4 trillion won, equivalent to about US$ 80 billion or R$ 432 billion, representing a significant increase of 783.1% compared to the same quarter last year.
Additionally, the company achieved a historic revenue of 195.25 trillion won, corresponding to approximately US$ 145.5 billion or R$ 786 billion, marking an annual growth of 126.9%. Net profit also grew significantly, advancing 514.6% to 75.13 trillion won, or about US$ 56.2 billion (R$ 303 billion).
These results were disclosed on Thursday (29) and reflect the progress in investments in AI infrastructure, which has expanded the need for components capable of processing and storing large volumes of data. With this performance, Samsung consolidated itself as the first technology company to surpass the mark of 100 trillion won in operating profit in a single quarter.
Despite these notable figures, net profit fell short of projections made by analysts consulted by Yonhap Infomax, who predicted an average of 87.01 trillion won (approximately US$ 64.9 billion or R$ 350 billion).
The semiconductor sector's performance contrasted with the results presented by other areas of Samsung. The Device and Experience (DX) division, which includes various device businesses, recorded an operating loss of 800 billion won, corresponding to approximately US$ 600 million (R$ 3.2 billion).
Regarding mobile phone and network segments, combined revenue was 37.7 trillion won (about US$ 28.3 billion or R$ 153 billion), but there was an operating loss of 600 billion won (US$ 450 million or R$ 2.4 billion). Although sales were stimulated by the launch of foldable devices and other top models, costs ultimately impacted profitability.
Businesses related to televisions and home appliances also faced challenges. Together, they generated a revenue of 13.9 trillion won (US$ 10.4 billion or R$ 56 billion) and incurred an operating loss of 200 billion won (US$ 150 million or R$ 810 million), due to increased costs and a drop in television revenue after major sporting events.
Samsung Display, responsible for screen businesses, achieved a revenue of 8 trillion won (US$ 6 billion or R$ 32.4 billion) and an operating profit of 1.1 trillion won (US$ 825 million or R$ 4.5 billion).
Meanwhile, Harman, operating in the audio and automotive technology sectors, showed improvement in its results, benefiting from both increased sales and tariff refunds made in the United States. This division recorded a revenue of 4.3 trillion won (about US$ 3.2 billion or R$ 17.3 billion) and an operating profit of 600 billion won (US$ 450 million or R$ 2.4 billion).
The company also increased its investments to meet the growing demand for semiconductors. Capital expenditures totaled 29 trillion won, representing approximately US$ 21.8 billion (R$ 118 billion) in the third quarter, an increase of 12.2 trillion won (US$ 9.2 billion or R$ 49.7 billion) compared to the immediately preceding quarter.
Of this amount, 27.2 trillion won (US$ 20.4 billion or R$ 110 billion) was directed to the semiconductor division. Accumulated between January and September, total investment reached 56.9 trillion won (US$ 42.7 billion or R$ 230 billion), an annual increase of 24.7 trillion won (US$ 18.5 billion or R$ 100 billion).
For the remainder of 2026, Samsung projects capital expenditures of around 84.4 trillion won, equivalent to approximately US$ 63.3 billion (R$ 342 billion). Of this total, 76.8 trillion won (US$ 57.6 billion or R$ 311 billion) will be allocated to the semiconductor division, and 3.9 trillion won (US$ 2.9 billion or R$ 15.8 billion) will be designated for Samsung Display.
These resources aim to sustain the expansion of production capacity and prepare new facilities to meet the demand for chips aimed at AI and high-performance computing. The company's strategy focuses on maintaining focus on higher value-added components, such as HBM memories, server DRAM, and SSD storage units, thereby capitalizing on the growth of AI investments and reinforcing its position in the global semiconductor market.