October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Samsung Could Make $79 Billion in Operating Profit This Quarter, but It’s a Forecast

LSEG analysts forecast KRW 106.1 trillion in Samsung Q3 2026 operating profit, but the $79.1 billion figure is not official company guidance or an actual result.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Samsung Electronics could post operating profit of KRW 106.1 trillion ($79.1 billion) for July–September 2026, according to an LSEG analyst consensus reported by Reuters on October 7. That is a forecast—not Samsung guidance or a reported result. The estimate was based on 21 analysts and had already been cut 7.7% since the end of August.

What does the $79 billion figure mean?

The figure is the LSEG SmartEstimate for Samsung Electronics’ third-quarter 2026 operating profit. Reuters reported it as KRW 106.1 trillion, equivalent to $79.1 billion using the conversion in its October 7 report. It represents analysts’ expectations for the quarter ended in September; Samsung had not yet announced its Q3 results.

Samsung was expected to publish preliminary Q3 results on October 8, with detailed results due in late October. Until the company reports, the consensus should not be described as profit Samsung has earned or as a company-issued target. Reuters’ October 7 report said the estimate drew on 21 analysts and had fallen 7.7% since the end of August.

How does the forecast compare with Samsung’s latest reported results?

Samsung’s latest actual quarter at the time was Q2 2026. Its reported operating profit was KRW 89.5 trillion on consolidated revenue of KRW 171.5 trillion. The Device Solutions division, which includes the semiconductor business, generated KRW 89.2 trillion of operating profit on KRW 127.5 trillion of revenue.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black
  • PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
  • HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Measure Q2 2026 reported actual Q3 2026 estimate
Operating profit KRW 89.5 trillion, consolidated (Samsung Electronics) KRW 106.1 trillion (LSEG SmartEstimate, 21 analysts, as reported by Reuters)
Revenue KRW 171.5 trillion, consolidated (Samsung Electronics) Not stated in the cited LSEG estimate reported by Reuters

The forecast implies a higher operating-profit total than the Q2 actual, but it remains an estimate until Samsung reports. The Q2 figures come from Samsung’s Q2 2026 results announcement.

Why is AI demand supporting the outlook?

Samsung said Q2 demand was robust, particularly for servers, amid continued investment in AI infrastructure and growing adoption of agentic AI. It reported record quarterly results for its Memory Business, citing strong demand alongside limited capacity and higher industry prices. The company expected growth in server DRAM, enterprise SSDs and high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and said the market would remain undersupplied even as production increased.

Rank #2
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.

Samsung’s Q1 results also linked memory records to high-value AI demand and constrained supply, while noting that higher average selling prices contributed. The company described sales of HBM4 and SOCAMM2 and anticipated continued demand from AI infrastructure. These company statements explain why memory is central to the earnings outlook; they do not establish that AI alone will determine Samsung’s company-wide Q3 profit. See Samsung’s Q1 2026 results announcement.

What could cause the estimate to miss?

Memory-price increases are slowing

Reuters relayed a TrendForce forecast that conventional DRAM contract prices would rise 10% to 15% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2026, compared with an approximately 60% increase in Q2. Those are forecasts for price changes, not realized results. TrendForce senior vice president for research Avril Wu told Reuters: “Although the market remains in a tight supply position, the pace of price growth is expected to decelerate.” Slower price growth could temper a key source of earnings support even if supply remains tight.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black
  • TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
  • MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
  • FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
  • IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
  • FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment

Currency can change the dollar translation

Samsung reports its results in South Korean won. A stronger won can reduce the dollar-converted value of overseas earnings, Reuters noted. The $79.1 billion figure is therefore tied to the exchange-rate conversion used in the report; it is not a separate dollar-denominated company forecast.

AI investment and consumer demand are uncertain

Investors were questioning how durable AI infrastructure spending would be and whether margins had peaked, Reuters reported. Samsung’s 1Q 2026 interim report also said higher finished-product prices and memory costs could soften mobile and PC demand, while suppliers prioritized server supply. This creates a tension: strong server demand may support memory earnings, while higher costs and constrained supply can weigh on other product markets. Samsung’s Q1 2026 interim report discusses these market conditions.

Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
  • YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
  • LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
  • MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
  • NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
  • BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What should investors watch when Samsung reports?

  • The preliminary Q3 result: Samsung’s October 8 announcement was expected to provide the first company-reported figure, followed by detailed results in late October.
  • Actual profit against the estimate: Compare Samsung’s reported consolidated operating profit with KRW 106.1 trillion, keeping the analyst forecast distinct from the company’s result.
  • Memory performance and pricing: Look for reported memory revenue, profitability, shipment trends and commentary on server DRAM, HBM and enterprise SSD demand.
  • Currency and margins: Check whether exchange-rate effects or costs affected the won-reported result and whether Samsung’s margins support the durability investors are assessing.

The estimate and risks above reflect reporting available on October 7, 2026. Samsung’s company announcements are available through its Q2 and Q1 results releases; Reuters’ forecast coverage was carried by Euronext.

Best Value
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
  • Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
  • Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.