Samsung SDI's profit comeback is being powered by the AI data center boom. AI capex is broadening beyond compute, and the tape is paying for anything with real exposure to the buildout. $006400.KS

What happened: Samsung SDI returned to operating profit in the third quarter, driven by ESS and backup battery demand tied to AI data center expansion. Key numbers: Operating profit 407.8 billion won ($305 million) versus a 591.3 billion won loss a year earlier. Revenue rose 52.6 percent on-year to 4.69 trillion won. Battery unit revenue climbed 55.3 percent to 4.41 trillion won. Why it matters: The company expects to stay profitable in the fourth quarter on ESS and small battery growth, and targets all-solid-state battery mass production next year with humanoid robots as a key application. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Samsung SDI returned to operating profit in the third quarter, driven by ESS and backup battery demand tied to AI data center expansion.

The company expects to stay profitable in the fourth quarter on ESS and small battery growth, and targets all-solid-state battery mass production next year with humanoid robots as a key application.