Samsung Raises 2026 Chip Profit Outlook to Up to 370 Trillion Won on AI Memory Boom

Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions semiconductor division told its labor union it could post operating profit of up to 370 trillion won ($274 billion) in 2026, 40 trillion won above the 330 trillion won guidance given at the division's June business briefing. The upgrade reflects stronger-than-expected AI semiconductor demand and a sharp run-up in DRAM and NAND flash prices — the fixed contract price for 64GB DDR5 server modules (RDIMM) reached $1,500 by mid-September, 5.5 times the $272 recorded a year earlier. Industry contacts said inventories at the three major memory makers had fallen to under 10 days, pointing to continued supply tightness. When performance-bonus costs are included, some estimates put the profit figure above 400 trillion won; the semiconductor division accounted for 97% of Samsung's total operating profit in the first half of 2026.