Samsung Electronics forecast second-quarter operating profit of ₩4.6 trillion, a 56% fall from a year earlier and far below the ₩6.2 trillion average analyst estimate compiled by LSEG. Revenue is expected to edge down 0.1% to ₩74 trillion, according to the company’s preliminary earnings statement released in Seoul. The world’s largest memory-chip maker blamed the shortfall on U.S. restrictions that limit exports of advanced AI processors to China and on inventory writedowns in its semiconductor division. Analysts said the loss of momentum was compounded by delays in winning Nvidia’s approval for Samsung’s latest 12-layer HBM3E high-bandwidth memory, allowing rival SK Hynix to capture the bulk of booming AI-related demand. Samsung said profitability in its foundry business also eroded because of the U.S. curbs and low factory utilisation, but it expects conditions to improve in the second half as demand recovers. To shore up investor confidence, the board authorised a ₩3.9 trillion share buyback, the final tranche of a ₩10 trillion programme launched last year. Detailed results are scheduled for July 31. Separately, the company signed an agreement to acquire Seattle-based digital-health platform Xealth to expand its mobile healthcare services. Financial terms were not disclosed.