Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix anticipate operating profs reaching 200 trillion won and 100 billion dollars (approximately 145 trillion won), respectively, driven by surging demand for AI memory chips. This projection emerges as both companies ramp up real wafer production twofold whin two months to meet explosive needs.
SK Hynix Accelerates Prof Growth
SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won announced at the ‘TPD 2026’ event in the Uned States on the 20th that SK Hynix’s overall operating prof will surpass 100 billion dollars. Previously targeting 50 billion dollars by the end of 2025 and achieving 70 billion in January, the company now aims to sustain this momentum up to 100 billion dollars.
The chairman highlighted that high-end products like HBM contribute 60% to margins, bolstering market share. However, he expressed caution regarding abrupt full-year changes, stating, “Even reaching 100 billion dollars in sales is possible amid fluctuations, but market shifts are massive, supply chains could change dramatically—though none have occurred yet.”
Analysts view SK Hynix as entering s strongest prof structure ever. Daiwa Securies raised s full-year operating prof estimate from 142 trillion won to 174 trillion won on the 23rd. NH Investment & Securies also projects 170.6 trillion won.
Samsung Electronics Secures High-End Dominance
Samsung Electronics forecasts an operating prof of around 200 trillion won, actively pursuing next-generation production expansions. Daiwa Securies adjusted s estimate upward by 17.5% from 171 trillion won to 201 trillion won on the 23rd, while NH Investment & Securies anticipates 204 trillion won even in a conservative scenario.
Samsung particularly leverages volume advantages in general semiconductor fabs, securing a strong posion in high-end HBM amid rising AI-related revenues. Analysts predict Samsung will exceed s 2017-2018 superscale prof peaks, wh market share risks if production lags. Sales outlook rises from 125 trillion won at year-end 2025 to 215 trillion won.
Analyst Insights and Broader Outlook
Morgan Stanley’s investment banking division projects combined operating profs for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix at 245.7 trillion won and 179.4 trillion won, respectively. NH Investment & Securies researcher Ryu Young-ho noted, “Samsung commands a firm grip on volume in roughly half of the memory market via logic fabs—core to AI demand.” He added, “Such core growth from memory expansion is obvious, but sensing data center growth and supply requires careful judgment.”
Over the next half-year, the duo eyes a combined 30 trillion won prof base, fueled by NAND, DRAM, and AI operations amid structural demand surges and non-memory dynamics.
