Samsung reports record 2013 profits despite dip in final quarter

Unlike their Japanese rivals, the big Korean electronics companies have been going from strength to strength in recent years. Strong growth in their TV and mobile phone sales have fuelled impressive growth.

But now Samsung has reported a drop in quarterly profits for the first time in two years. Net profit was 7.3tn won ($6.8bn; £4bn) in the October-to-December 2013 period, down 11 per cent from the previous three months.

A drop in margins at its mobile phone division saw operating income fall 18 per cent during the quarter. Currency fluctuations didn't help either.

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That said, 2013 was still a bumper year for the firm. Despite the final quarter decline, the company made a net profit of 30.5 trillion won ($28bn; £17bn) in 2013 – a 28 per cent increase from a year ago.

It said its performance during the year was boosted by the success of its smartphones and tablets, as well as robust demand for TVs.

The firm said it maintained its market leadership in mobile devices, with a 30 per cent share of the smartphone market in both developed and emerging markets.

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By Andy Clough

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.