Samsung Could Reclaim Chip Leadership as AI Memory Demand Drives Best Quarterly Profit in Over Three Years

• Q3 operating profit: 12.1 trillion won; revenue: 86 trillion won

• DRAM prices rose roughly 172% year‑on‑year; NAND also posted double‑digit growth (TrendForce).

• Samsung received Nvidia certification for 12‑layer HBM3E and secured orders from AMD, expanding AI server supply.

Samsung AI memory chip profits surge to multi-year highs as Q3 operating profit hits 12.1 trillion won; analysis, risks, and outlook from COINOTAG today.

Published: Oct 31, 2024 • Updated: Oct 14, 2025 • Author: COINOTAG

How did Samsung AI memory chip profits rise so sharply in the July–September quarter?

Samsung AI memory chip profits climbed after the company reported a Q3 operating profit of 12.1 trillion won and revenue of 86 trillion won, driven by a steep recovery in memory pricing and stronger demand from AI servers. The jump reflects DRAM price increases, growing orders for high‑bandwidth memory and certifications that enable mass shipments.

What role did DRAM and HBM3E demand play in the profit surge?

Higher DRAM pricing was a primary driver: average DRAM prices rose roughly 172% year‑on‑year, according to TrendForce, while NAND flash posted double‑digit growth. Demand for HBM (high‑bandwidth memory) used in AI accelerators also rose as hyperscalers and AI developers expanded capacity. Samsung’s recent Nvidia certification for its 12‑layer HBM3E product and an AMD order position the company to increase shipments into the AI server supply chain within months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How sustainable are Samsung’s AI memory chip profits through 2025?

Analysts expect semiconductor profits to remain elevated into 2025 if AI server demand continues and memory pricing stays firm. Banks including Morgan Stanley, Citi and Goldman Sachs have revised forecasts higher, citing tighter supply, improved yields and sustained hyperscaler procurement, though geopolitical risks and export controls could constrain upside.

Why did Samsung’s shares rise more than 60% since June?

Investors priced in faster recovery in memory prices and stronger AI demand after Samsung reported better‑than‑expected results. The market response also reflected certifications for high‑end memory (HBM3E), large customer orders and analyst upgrades that increased confidence in near‑term profitability.

Detailed analysis

Samsung’s Q3 results represent its strongest quarter since early 2022. The company’s chip division is rebounding from a two‑year downturn as AI workloads push demand for high‑performance memory. TrendForce data shows a sharp rebound in DRAM pricing, which, combined with double‑digit NAND growth, materially improved margins.

Samsung has been narrowing the technology gap with rival SK Hynix, which leads in HBM supply for AI accelerators. Certification from Nvidia for Samsung’s 12‑layer HBM3E and a confirmed AMD order are important milestones that enable Samsung to access AI server demand previously dominated by SK Hynix and Micron. People familiar with the matter indicate Samsung can begin mass shipments within months.

On the investor front, Samsung’s share price appreciation reflects market expectations of sustained high memory prices and better chip yields. Analysts at Daishin Securities noted the quarter marked a watershed moment; Park Jae‑kyung said Samsung is re‑emerging at the forefront of the AI revolution. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi described the mix of AI demand, constrained supply and improved technology as a “double whammy” for profitability.

Beyond memory, Samsung’s display and mobile divisions contributed to the overall beat. Premium OLED panels and strong foldable device sales (Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6) helped balance divisional performance, supporting the revenue increase to 86 trillion won.

Risks and constraints

Despite the upside, clear risks remain. Geopolitical tensions and recent U.S. export controls on advanced chip technology to China could limit market access or complicate supply chains. Samsung’s foundry business also lags Taiwan’s TSMC in profitability and technology leadership, which remains a separate strategic challenge. Institutional research from Morgan Stanley, Citi and Goldman Sachs highlights these tail risks while reflecting improved memory outlooks.

Key Takeaways

• Record quarterly profit: Samsung posted a 12.1 trillion won operating profit in Q3, its best since early 2022.
• AI demand is central: AI server growth and HBM demand drove price recovery and large orders (TrendForce; Nvidia certification).
• Watch supply and policy risks: Geopolitical tensions and export controls could affect future shipments; monitor official guidance and analyst updates.

Conclusion

The July–September quarter demonstrated that Samsung AI memory chip profits are now a material driver of company results, with DRAM price recovery and HBM3E certification enabling rapid expansion into AI server markets. Authorities and market analysts including TrendForce, Bloomberg Intelligence, Daishin Securities, Morgan Stanley, Citi and Goldman Sachs provide the underlying data and commentary supporting this outlook. COINOTAG will continue to monitor official Samsung disclosures and industry data for updates and implications for investors and the AI infrastructure supply chain.