Samsung Q2 profit surges 1,814% on AI chip demand

Samsung Electronics posted a record second-quarter operating profit that beat analysts' estimates, the company reported on July 30, 2026. The profit surged 1,813.8% compared with the same period a year earlier, driven by soaring demand for artificial intelligence chips.

The South Korean technology giant's revenue climbed 130% year on year to a record high, while operating profit jumped 56.37% from the first quarter. Both figures aligned with Samsung's own forecast released earlier in July, according to the company.

The results underscore the massive impact of AI on the memory chip sector, where Samsung is a dominant player. The company's performance reflects how AI-driven data centers and applications are fueling unprecedented demand for high-bandwidth memory and other advanced chips.

Samsung's second-quarter revenue rose 28.11% from the previous quarter, according to data compared with LSEG SmartEstimates, which weights forecasts from more consistently accurate analysts. The company last week introduced new foldable smartphones and announced an expanded strategic collaboration with Broadcom across memory and foundry technologies.

Domestic rival SK Hynix also reported a record second-quarter profit on July 29, 2026, but its results missed analysts' estimates, causing its shares to fall nearly 10%. Samsung's stronger-than-expected earnings highlight its ability to capitalize on the AI boom more effectively than some competitors.

Samsung's expanded partnership with Broadcom signals its intent to deepen its footprint in both memory and foundry services, potentially strengthening its position in the AI supply chain. The company's latest product launches and collaborations suggest it will continue to focus on high-growth areas tied to artificial intelligence.