0103 GMT - Samsung Electronics' operating profit is projected to exceed 100 trillion won in both 3Q and 4Q this year, extending its run of record quarterly earnings that began in 4Q of 2025, KB Securities analysts say. The tech company's operating profit is likely to reach 221 trillion won in 2H, with 104 trillion won in 3Q and 117 trillion won in 4Q, more than six times higher than a year earlier, say the analysts led by Jeff Kim. KB expects Samsung to return a total of 110 trillion won to shareholders this year. Samsung, which has already approved 30 trillion won for 3Q dividend payouts, could return another 40 trillion won through cash dividends and 40 trillion won through share buybacks, KB adds.