核心业绩：史无前例的爆发
Samsung Electronics released its unaudited Q1 2026 earnings guidance on April 7, reporting a consolidated operating profit of KRW 57.2 trillion (approx. USD 26.1 billion), up 755% YoY. This shattered the company's previous quarterly record and even surpassed its full-year 2025 operating profit of KRW 43.6 trillion, marking the most explosive single-quarter performance in Korean corporate history.
Consolidated revenue reached approximately KRW 133 trillion (USD 88.1 billion), up 41.7% QoQ and 68.1% YoY.
Analyst consensus from 29 analysts polled by LSEG had expected KRW 40.5 trillion, with Citigroup's optimistic forecast at KRW 51 trillion. Samsung's official guidance beat all estimates.
业绩爆发的核心驱动力
Memory chip price hikes are the primary engine. AI server demand is growing exponentially, with Nvidia, AMD, and other compute giants scrambling for capacity, leading to sustained supply tightness and sharp price increases. TrendForce data shows DRAM contract prices surged 90%-95% QoQ in Q1 2026, while NAND flash prices rose 55%-60%.
The Device Solutions (DS) division was the absolute star. According to major Korean brokerages, DS likely posted an operating profit of over KRW 42 trillion, accounting for more than 70% of total profit. revenue grew over 300% YoY, with HBM4 mass production progressing smoothly, narrowing the technology gap with SK Hynix.
DRAM market share recovery: Samsung regained the global DRAM crown with a 36.6% share, actively meeting general DRAM demand and expanding HBM4 sales, boosting profitability.
业务亮点与隐忧
On the bright side, Samsung narrowed the gap with rival SK Hynix through its latest HBM4 chips, while benefiting from a rebound in legacy memory demand driven by AI inference.
On the downside, the smartphone and LCD panel divisions likely saw profits halve in Q1 due to rising memory costs and intense competition. The foundry business, competing with TSMC, is expected to remain in the red. Additionally, Korean labor unions are threatening a strike in May over bonus system adjustments.
机构展望
Citigroup noted in a research report that strong AI inference demand will support high memory prices, forecasting Samsung's full-year 2026 operating profit could reach KRW 310 trillion, up over 6x YoY. Goldman Sachs and Nomura have raised target prices and reiterated Buy ratings, arguing the memory super-cycle is far from over. They expect DRAM prices to rise another 58%-63% in Q2, with NAND flash up 70%-75%.
Notably, among the world's major listed companies, Samsung's quarterly revenue ranked fifth and profit ranked third. Even if growth slows next year, the trend suggests it could surpass Apple and Nvidia to become the world's most profitable company.
Risk disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Market risks exist; invest with caution.
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