Samsung saw its operating profit and revenue fall last quarter, though it maintained gains over 2023’s performance.
The company reported KR₩6.5 trillion (A$7.2 billion) in operating profit in 2024’s fourth quarter, a ₩2.7 trillion decrease over Q3, yet was up by 130% compared to the same reporting period last year.
“In the first quarter of 2025, while overall earnings improvement may be limited due to weakness in the semiconductors business, the company aims to pursue growth through increased sales of smartphones with differentiated AI experiences, as well as premium products in the Device eXperience Division,” said Samsung.
“For 2025 as a whole, the company plans to enhance technological and product advantages in AI, continue to meet future demand for high-value-added products and drive sales growth in premium segments.”
The global tech giant's last quarter fall in operating profit was due to a softer IT market and an increase in spending, particularly on research and development.
2024 revenue was the company’s second-highest ever, at ₩300.9 trillion.
The company’s earnings per share were KR₩1,116 trillion, down from Q3’s ₩1,440 trillion. Its cash at the end of Q4 was KR₩112.65 trillion, up from ₩103.78 trillion at the beginning of the quarter.
Its Device eXperience division reported the highest sales last quarter, at KR₩40.5 trillion - a 10% decrease from Q3, but an increase of 12% year-over-year. Device eXperience also saw the highest sales overall in 2024.
Within Device eXperience, sales were highest in the Mobile eXperience division, reaching ₩25 trillion. This is a 17% decline from Q3, “in part due to the fading effects of new flagship model launches”, Samsung said.
Samsung’s new line of Galaxy S25 smartphones will be fully released to the public on 7 February, and will boast several new artificial intelligence features developed by both Samsung and Google.
Device Solutions, which includes chip manufacturing, reported sales of KR₩30.1 trillion. This is an increase of 3% over Q3, and a 39% increase year-over-year.
Samsung’s share price (KSE: 005930) stood at KR₩52,200 at time of writing, down from its previous close at ₩53,700. Its market capitalisation is ₩347 trillion.
