Memory Boom Powers Earnings Outlook

The forecast reflects continued strength in the memory market, where demand tied to AI data center investment has lifted prices for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and conventional DRAM alike. Samsung Electronics, the world's largest memory maker, and SK hynix, a leading supplier of HBM to AI chip designers, together account for the bulk of the global memory market.

The projection of more than 180 trillion won in combined quarterly operating profit underscores the scale of the sector's recovery, with both companies benefiting as semiconductor prices rise and AI-related orders expand.

Details Remain an Outlook

The 180 trillion won figure is a projection rather than a finalized result, and the companies' official third-quarter earnings announcements are still pending. Actual figures could differ from the forecast depending on final accounting, one-off items, and exchange rate movements.

SK hynix has released material related to its results through its official newsroom, with the projection drawing on the companies' disclosures and guidance.

Conclusion

With AI-driven memory demand continuing to lift both companies' profitability, the projection that Samsung Electronics and SK hynix will post a combined third-quarter operating profit exceeding 180 trillion won is largely supported by available disclosures, though official results have yet to be announced — making the claim Mostly True.