Samsung logs record high profit in 3Q

With the latest result, Samsung set a record-high quarterly operating profit for a fourth quarter in a row. But some analysts are skeptical whether Samsung will post another increase in profit in the final quarter of this year due to higher marketing costs.

Samsung said it will try to increase profit even if it faces heightened competition during the holiday season. In addition to its Android-powered Galaxy series, Samsung plans to release ATIV series smartphones based on Windows 8, the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, before the end of this year.

The patent disputes between Apple and Samsung linger as another negative factor for Samsung’s fourth-quarter earnings, although Samsung has sufficient cash reserves and earnings to cushion any impact.

Samsung is trying to reverse the decision in August of a San Jose jury to fine it $1 billion over copying Apple’s design and technology for the iPhone and the iPad. The U.S. judge’s decision may be issued as early as December.

The penalty could triple if the judge finds Samsung’s act of copying was willful. But recent developments surrounding the patent disputes between Samsung and Apple, such as the U.S. patent office’s initial ruling earlier this month to invalidate one of Apple’s patents, could also scale back the penalty.

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