# Kioxia forecasts Q3 operating profit of ~$12.7B, below ~$14.9B est.

Digest AI · Business & Funding · published 2026-10-30T11:50:01Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/kioxia-forecasts-q3-operating-profit-of-12-7b-below-14-9b-est

## Summary

Kioxia Holdings Corp. reported second-quarter operating profits that rose 22x year-over-year to approximately $12.7 billion, matching analyst estimates. However, the NAND flash memory maker issued a third-quarter outlook that fell short of market expectations, projecting operating profit of roughly $12.7 billion against an estimated $14.9 billion. 

The company attributed the lower-than-expected forecast to an AI-driven surge in flash memory chip prices. While the demand spike benefits revenue, the pricing dynamics appear to have impacted the specific profit margins projected for the upcoming quarter. This report highlights the complex relationship between AI infrastructure needs and component pricing in the semiconductor supply chain.

Kioxia’s performance underscores the volatility in the memory market as it adjusts to new demand patterns. Investors are now focused on how the company will navigate these price fluctuations while maintaining its position in the NAND sector.

## Key points

- Kioxia Q2 operating profit rose 22x YoY to ~$12.7B, in line with estimates.
- Q3 operating profit forecast is ~$12.7B, below the ~$14.9B estimate.
- Company cites AI-fueled surge in flash memory chip prices for the outlook.

## Why it matters

The forecast miss signals that AI-driven demand is causing significant price volatility in flash memory, impacting semiconductor profitability and supply chain stability.

## Sources

1. [NAND maker Kioxia reports FY Q2 operating profit up 22x YoY to ~$12.7B, in line with est., but forecasts Q3 operating profit of ~$12.7B, below ~$14.9B est.](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-30/kioxia-s-profit-jumps-due-to-ballooning-ai-data-storage-needs) (bloomberg.com, 2026-10-30)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Kioxia forecasts Q3 operating profit of ~$12.7B, below ~$14.9B est.", 30 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/kioxia-forecasts-q3-operating-profit-of-12-7b-below-14-9b-est

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