Samsung SDI chief vows to return to profit this year

Samsung SDI expects an earnings turnaround this year, driven by robust orders for energy storage systems (ESS) and premium EV batteries.

“Over the past year, we have steadily strengthened the fundamentals of our business with a mindset of ‘pessimistic optimism,’ laying the groundwork for a renewed leap forward,” said Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun during an event celebrating its 56th anniversary at the company's headquarters in Giheung, Gyeonggi.

"As promised earlier this year, we expect an earnings turnaround to be achievable this year," he said, pointing out recent big moves, including a series of new ESS projects and deals with global premium EV makers, as well as a growing presence in high‑value growth areas such as advanced packaging semiconductor materials and high‑definition display materials.

Hit by an EV sales slump, Samsung SDI has reported losses for six consecutive quarters, with last year's operating losses surpassing 1.7 trillion won ($1.1 billion). 

However, the market consensus estimates that the company's operating losses will fall to 66.1 billion won in the second quarter, then rebound to 20.2 billion won in profit in the third quarter, and to 151.2 billion won in profit in the fourth quarter.

"There is still a long way to go,” Choi said, adding that “consistent execution is essential for these achievements to translate into sustainable growth.”

Choi also urged employees to actively use AI in their work.

He emphasized that “Agentic AI constitutes a paradigm shift that fundamentally changes the way work is done and how business models are built,” he said. “By boldly riding this wave of change, we can once again become a company with top‑tier technological capabilities.”

BY SARAH CHEA   [[email protected]]