Samsung Electronics reported preliminary Q2 operating profit of 89.4 tln won
(YoY +1,810.2%), topping estimates of 87.3 tln won and exceeding the prior three
years’ combined profit. Despite the beat, Samsung shares fell as much as 8% in
early trading; SK Hynix slid 7.3%, sending the KOSPI down about 6%. Analysts
said the muted reaction reflects elevated expectations — after provisioning for
employee bonuses, profit driven by record storage-chip prices could have
exceeded 90 tln won — and renewed concerns that AI-driven data-center buildouts
and US tech AI infrastructure spending may slow. Albert Yong, managing partner
at Petra Capital Management, said the strong result was largely priced in and
investors remain worried about the sustainability of the AI boom.
