Samsung Overtakes Intel in Chip Sales

Samsung is estimated to have dethroned Intel as the world's biggest semiconductor maker in the second quarter of this year. The Korean giant is also forecast to take the top position ahead of Apple in operating profit among all manufacturers in the world.

According to Japan's Nomura Securities on Sunday, Samsung's semiconductor sales in the second quarter stood at US$15.1 billion ahead of Intel's $14.4 billion. It is the first time in 24 years that Intel has forfeited the top place.

While Intel's focus has been on semiconductors for PCs, where the market has reached a plateau, Samsung's main area of business in memory chips is still growing fast.

Samsung tops the list of all three main areas of business -- semiconductors, TVs and smartphones -- in the world, and is expected to surpass Apple in operating profit for the first time since iPhones were launched in 2008.

Securities firms' estimate of Samsung’s operating profit in the April-June period is W13.12 trillion, compared to an estimated W12 trillion for Apple (US$1=W1,146).