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Samsung Q4 Earnings Expected to Be Hit by Nvidia AI Chip Supply Delay

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Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), the world’s largest memory chip maker, is forecasted to report slowed profit growth in the fourth quarter, as it struggles to meet Nvidia’s (NVDA.O) soaring demand for AI chips. Despite an expected operating profit of 8.2 trillion won ($5.6 billion) in the quarter ending December, up from 2.8 trillion won a year ago, this figure represents a decline from the previous quarter’s 9.18 trillion won.

Analysts have recently revised their earnings forecasts downward, with some projecting Samsung’s operating profit to fall below 8 trillion won. A key issue has been delays in Samsung’s supply of high-end AI chips to Nvidia, which has continued to impact Samsung’s earnings, despite an October apology from the company for its third-quarter performance and an earlier pledge to address the chip shortage.

In November, Samsung reshuffled its chip division leadership, naming its chip division chief co-CEO and granting him direct control over the struggling memory chip business. Meanwhile, Samsung’s shares fell 32% last year, underperforming the broader market’s 10% decline.

Contrastingly, SK Hynix (000660.KS), a major supplier of advanced AI memory chips to Nvidia, is expected to report record earnings for the fourth quarter, benefiting from strong demand for its products.

The broader semiconductor market is facing additional pressure, with weaker demand for traditional chips used in smartphones and PCs, and rising competition from Chinese chipmakers, leading to declining chip prices. DRAM prices, particularly DDR4 chips used in personal computers, have dropped as much as 13% in Q4 and are expected to fall another 15% in the current quarter, according to TrendForce.

The South Korean won’s depreciation in December to its weakest level in 15 years, fueled by political instability and concerns over U.S. tariffs under President-elect Trump, has provided some relief in the form of increased overseas earnings, but this has not been enough to offset weak chip prices.

Samsung is expected to release detailed results later in January, offering a breakdown of its earnings by business segment.

Jeju Island in South Korea Introduces NFT-Backed Visitor Cards to Appeal to Young Travelers

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Jeju Island, a renowned self-governing province in South Korea, is reportedly set to integrate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into its tourism framework to attract a younger demographic. According to a recent report by South Korean publication Maeil Kyungjae (MK), the island’s authorities are planning to launch a digital visitor card initiative powered by NFTs. This innovative project is slated to begin in 2025 and aims to enhance the travel experience by offering exclusive benefits to tourists through blockchain-backed solutions.

The NFT-based visitor cards are expected to roll out during the latter half of 2025, providing a host of advantages for travelers. These digital cards will grant users special discounts at major tourist attractions, membership perks, and travel subsidies for domestic visitors. By leveraging blockchain technology, Jeju Island seeks to create a more engaging and modern tourism model that resonates with tech-savvy travelers and younger audiences familiar with digital assets.

This initiative reflects Jeju Island’s broader strategy to remain a competitive global tourism destination while embracing emerging technologies. The move to adopt NFTs for visitor engagement aligns with a growing trend of integrating blockchain into various industries, including travel and hospitality. By offering tangible benefits through NFTs, the island hopes to strengthen its appeal as a forward-thinking destination while simultaneously supporting its local economy.

As Jeju Island prepares to implement this program, it highlights the potential for NFTs to go beyond collectibles and serve practical purposes in daily life. This initiative not only showcases the versatility of blockchain technology but also signals a shift in how traditional tourism can adapt to digital innovation. By blending cutting-edge tech with its natural beauty and cultural richness, Jeju Island aims to create a unique experience for its visitors.

Samsung Electronics Becomes Largest Shareholder of South Korea’s Rainbow Robotics

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Samsung Electronics has increased its investment in South Korea’s Rainbow Robotics, making it the largest shareholder in the robotics firm. According to a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Samsung has acquired a 267 billion won ($181 million) stake in Rainbow Robotics. Prior to this, Samsung was the second-largest shareholder with a 14.71% stake, or about 2.85 million shares. The largest shareholder at the time was the company’s founder, Oh Jun-ho, and related entities.

As part of this acquisition, Samsung is also establishing a new Future Robotics Office that will report directly to the CEO. This move reflects Samsung’s increasing commitment to the robotics industry, an area that is becoming a strategic focus for the technology giant. Samsung had previously made investments in Rainbow Robotics, but this latest development positions the company as a more dominant player in the robotics sector.