Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) announced preliminary Q2 2026 earnings on July 7, with quarterly revenue reaching 171 trillion KRW (up 129.3% YoY from 74.57 trillion KRW in Q2 2025) and operating profit reaching 89.4 trillion KRW (up 1810.3% YoY from 4.68 trillion KRW in Q2 2025); the quarterly result broke the historical quarterly record set in Q1 2026.
Q2 2026 Earnings Data: Three-Quarter Comparison of 171 Trillion KRW Revenue and 89.4 Trillion KRW Operating Profit
According to the preliminary earnings announced by Samsung Electronics on July 7, the three-quarter financial data comparison is as follows:
Q2 2025 (same period last year): Revenue 74.57 trillion KRW, operating profit 4.68 trillion KRW
Q1 2026 (previous quarter record this year): Revenue 133.87 trillion KRW, operating profit 57.23 trillion KRW
Q2 2026 (latest preliminary earnings): Revenue 171 trillion KRW (up 129.3% YoY), operating profit 89.4 trillion KRW (up 1810.3% YoY)
Q2 2026 also surpassed the historical quarterly record set in Q1 2026, making it Samsung Electronics' highest quarterly performance ever. This announcement is a preliminary estimate; detailed performance by business segment was not disclosed in the preliminary announcement. Samsung Electronics has not yet finalized its accounts; the early release aims to comply with international standards and provide reference for investors.
HBM4 Mass Production and DRAM Price Hikes: Two Key Drivers of Earnings Surge
According to industry analysis, the main drivers of the Q2 2026 earnings surge include: the sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) began mass production in February 2026, as the world's first memory product targeting large tech companies, significantly boosting profitability of the memory business; standard DRAM prices rose sharply in Q2; and the foundry (chip manufacturing) business narrowed losses due to more efficient utilization of advanced process lines and increased demand for AI chips.
Industry sources also noted that the Device Solutions (DS) division, which handles the semiconductor business, set aside reserves for special performance bonuses to be paid early next year this quarter, implying that the DS division's actual profitability is higher than the reported figures.
FAQ
Is the Q2 2026 earnings of Samsung Electronics the final figure?
According to the announcement by Samsung Electronics on July 7, the figures released are preliminary earnings (Initial Estimate), estimated in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted in South Korea. Samsung Electronics has not yet finalized its accounts; the early release is intended to provide convenient information for investors and comply with international standards. Detailed performance by business segment was not disclosed in the preliminary announcement; the complete financial report will be based on the subsequent official announcement.
Did Samsung Electronics' quarterly operating profit in Q2 2026 surpass Nvidia?
According to reports, Samsung Electronics' Q2 2026 operating profit of 89.4 trillion KRW is equivalent to approximately $58.4 billion. Market analysis points out that this surpasses Nvidia's reported approximately $53.5 billion from the previous quarter. However, reports also note that direct comparisons are limited due to different financial settlement cycles among companies. The final results of both companies are subject to their respective official financial reports.
What is the specific contribution of HBM4 to Samsung Electronics' earnings?
According to industry analysis, HBM4 began mass production in February 2026 as the world's first AI memory product targeting large tech companies (such as Nvidia). Its increased supply has driven a significant improvement in the memory business's profitability. This is one of the main reasons the DS division is widely believed by the industry to have led overall earnings in Q2 2026. Specific segment breakdown data is subject to Samsung Electronics' final financial report.
