Samsung Electronics (005930) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved record-high quarterly revenue of KRW 134 trillion and operating profit of KRW 57.2 trillion, driven by AI innovation, high-value product portfolio, and proactive market response.

• Net profit reached KRW 47.2 trillion, 2.4x the previous quarter, with EPS of KRW 7,123 (common) and KRW 7,124 (preferred).

• Demonstrated technological leadership and maintained market leadership through product competitiveness and continuous innovation.

• Memory business posted its second consecutive record quarter, fueled by AI server demand and premium product sales.

• All divisions contributed to growth, with notable strength in semiconductors and new flagship smartphone launches.

Financial highlights

• Revenue rose 43% QoQ and 69% YoY; operating profit surged 185% QoQ and 756% YoY.

• Operating margin expanded from 21% to 43% sequentially.

• Net profit reached KRW 47.2 trillion, with EPS at KRW 7,123 (common stock).

• Gross margin improved to 61.2%, and EBITDA margin reached 51%.

• Currency appreciation, especially USD, added KRW 1.8 trillion to operating profit QoQ.

Outlook and guidance

• Semiconductor demand expected to remain strong in Q2, with memory prices on an upward trend due to AI infrastructure expansion.

• Foundry earnings to improve via advanced process sales and 2nm technology orders.

• DX Division profit to decline in Q2 due to cost pressures, but mitigated by premium product launches and cost efficiencies.

• SDC to pursue premium product growth amid market uncertainty.

• Second half outlook mixed: AI-driven semiconductor growth vs. rising IT product costs and geopolitical risks.