Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to deliver strong second-quarter earnings, driven by a surge in demand for memory semiconductors fueled by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). Rising prices of high bandwidth memory (HBM) and conventional DRAM are simultaneously boosting profitability across the industry, reinforcing the recovery cycle in the memory market.
According to financial data provider FnGuide on the 7th, Samsung Electronics is projected to post consolidated second-quarter revenue of KRW 166.1 trillion and operating profit of KRW 85.3 trillion. This represents a sharp increase of 122% in sales and more than 1,700% in operating profit compared to the same period last year.
The key driver behind the earnings improvement is the memory semiconductor business. Expanding investment in AI infrastructure has significantly increased demand for high-value memory products such as server DRAM and HBM, leading to a notable improvement in profitability.
In particular, as the AI market shifts its focus from training to inference, demand for memory used in data centers has broadened. This has supported stronger pricing for DRAM and NAND flash, further strengthening semiconductor makers’ earnings momentum.
Market analysts note that both DRAM and NAND prices rose significantly in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter. Demand growth has outpaced supply expansion, shifting the memory market into a seller’s market environment.
HBM demand is also expected to remain strong, supported by continued expansion of AI server investments. According to market research firm TrendForce, the ongoing growth of AI workloads will continue to drive demand for HBM products.
SK Hynix is also expected to report record-breaking earnings. According to FnGuide estimates, the company’s second-quarter revenue and operating profit are projected at KRW 81.5 trillion and KRW 62.2 trillion, respectively, representing increases of 266% and 574% year-on-year.
Combined, the two companies are expected to generate operating profit exceeding KRW 147 trillion. With memory prices rising and AI-related demand accelerating simultaneously, the semiconductor industry is widely viewed as entering a super-cycle phase. Some market forecasts suggest the combined figure could exceed KRW 150 trillion as estimates continue to be revised upward.
Profitability is also expected to improve significantly. As the share of HBM and high-performance server memory increases, operating margins are projected to approach record levels.
Concerns over a prolonged supply shortage are also prompting expansion in production capacity. SK Hynix is continuing investments in facilities such as the Cheongju M15X plant, the Yongin semiconductor cluster, and advanced packaging facilities in the United States to strengthen long-term supply capabilities.
Industry watchers note that with AI server demand structurally increasing, the current upswing in the memory market may extend beyond a short-term cycle into a longer-term growth phase.
