Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) expects its third-quarter operating profit to jump nearly ninefold year over year, surpassing the 100-trillion-won mark for the first time on the back of strong artificial intelligence demand.

Consolidated sales could reach 195 trillion won, up by about 126.6% from 86.06 trillion won a year earlier, while consolidated operating profit is forecast to grow by about 782.5% year over year to 107.4 trillion won from 12.17 trillion won, the South Korean technology company said in a Thursday news release.

The preliminary figures represent the median of the company's estimate ranges, in compliance with South Korean disclosure rules.

The third-quarter projection would mark the company's fourth straight quarter of record-high operating profit, according to MT Newswires' analysis of FactSet data.

The record earnings follow Samsung's increased investment in global AI infrastructure. In September alone, the conglomerate, along with its associates, injected $1 billion in KKR-backed artificial intelligence infrastructure company Helix Digital Infrastructure. It also led a 3-billion-euro funding round for French AI startup Mistral AI.

Through its venture arms, Samsung has also joined funding rounds for AI startups including Emerald AI, xpander and Velaura AI in August, as well as in Eliyan, pushing the California-based AI company into unicorn status.