Samsung SDI Q2 Operating Loss Shrinks to 31.3 Billion Won as ESS, AI Battery Demand Surges

According to Yonhap Infomax's compilation of earnings forecasts from seven major Korean brokers, Samsung SDI is expected to post an operating loss of 31.3 billion won in the second quarter of 2026, substantially narrower than 397.8 billion won in the same period last year and 155.6 billion won in the first quarter.

Sales are projected at 3.6862 trillion won, up 16% year-over-year and 3% sequentially. Growth was driven by expanding energy storage system (ESS) sales in North America and increased demand for AI data center batteries. The company is estimated to have received 80–100 billion won in Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC) subsidies in the quarter. Analysts expect potential black-ink conversion as early as the third quarter, contingent on EV battery shipment recovery and North American ESS production ramp-up.