Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Samsung Reports Record Quarterly Earnings

Read MoreHide Full Article

Samsung Electronics reported Friday that it expects to earn record quarterly earnings. The company said its profits are likely to top 14 trillion Korean won, or $12.1 billion, beating analyst expectations.

The South Korean company cites rising demand for its memory chips and strong Galaxy S8 sales for its record quarter. These second-quarter earnings represent a 72% increase from the same period a year ago, which will help add to the stock’s 32% year-to-date gains.

While Samsung’s market cap is still nowhere near Apple’s (AAPL - Free Report) , Samsung is still competing well with the tech giant. At Seoul’s trading close, Samsung was valued at just over 348 trillion won, or $300 billion, whereas Apple is currently worth over twice as much at $745 billion. However, shares of Samsung have outpaced Apple’s gains by 10% in the last year and 85% in the past two years.

Samsung is also expected to overtake Intel Corp. (INTC - Free Report) as the world’s number one chipmaker by revenue. Samsung is estimated to have made about $15 billion in total semiconductor sales, whereas Intel made $14.4 in chip sales this past quarter. Intel has held the number one position since 1991, but Samsung has benefitted from rising memory chip prices.

In light of these earnings, Samsung plans to invest $18.6 billion into its semiconductor operations in South Korea.

Samsung’s record profits bring good news to a company that has been suffering from bad press this past year. Last September, Samsung issued a recall of its Galaxy Note S7 after defects in the phones’ batteries caused them to overheat, catch fire, and even explode. These issues wiped out much of Samsung’s third-quarter profit last year.

However, the company still faces questions about a corruption scandal. Mr. Lee, a vice chairman of Samsung, stands accused of bribing the former South Korean president, Park Geun-hye, for government approval of a merger in 2015.

Samsung’s second quarter results will be published later this month on July 28th.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think. See This Ticker Free >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Intel Corporation (INTC) - free report >>

Apple Inc. (AAPL) - free report >>