Analysts are bullish on Samsung after the company unveiled a foldable phone on Tuesday and U.S. semiconductor company Nvidia said its next-generation gaming chip will be manufactured by the South Korean electronics giant.
They see Samsung’s shares trading at 70,376.32 Korean won ($59.35) in the next 12 months. That represents a 29% upside from Wednesday’s trading price, according to an average target price collated by Refinitiv.
Some analysts are even more bullish on Samsung. Daiwa Capital Markets’ SK Kim has a 12-month price target of 82,000 Korean won, a more than 50% rise from Wednesday’s trading price.
New orders for Samsung’s chip manufacturing operations or foundry, next-generation smartphone launches and a recovery in memory pricing next year are factors behind the analysts’ optimism.
“For SEC (Samsung Electronics), we maintain our positive view as we expect a favourable memory market environment in 2021, new foundry opportunities and attractive valuation compared with its peers such as TSMC,” Kim told CNBC in an email.
Nvidia deal
On Tuesday, Nvidia launched the GeForce RTX 30 Series of graphics processing units (GPUs). The chips are designed for PC gaming and promise to offer more realistic images on screen, thanks to so-called “ray tracing.” This technology simulates how light reacts with objects around it.
Nvidia chose Samsung to manufacture the chips using a so-called 8 nanometer process customized for these semiconductors.
The move was seen as positive for Samsung. Daiwa’s Kim told CNBC he expects the Nvidia deal to be worth $1 billion in revenue for Samsung.
Samsung’s semiconductor business is very important for the company. It includes the foundry business as well as the sales of so-called NAND and DRAM chips Samsung produces, which are used in devices such as laptops and smartphones, through to data centers. Semiconductors accounted for two-thirds of Samsung’s operating profit in the second quarter of this year.
DRAM pricing, which has been under pressure in the second quarter, is expected to face further weakness for the rest of the year, according to a note released by UBS last week. The investment bank sees DRAM prices falling 8% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter of this year.
But the start of 2021 could bring a recovery.
“First, we continue to expect DRAM pricing to start to recover in 1H21 as industry supply growth will not match demand when smartphones demand is closer to normalized levels,” UBS said, referring to the first half of next year.
While foldable phones remain a “niche” product for now, according to Sanjeev Rana, senior analyst at CLSA, who sees the number of these devices Samsung sells increasing each year.
Rana told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Wednesday he expects foldable phones to account for 2 million to 3 million of Samsung’s overall smartphone shipments of 250 million this year. That figure will increase to between 8 million and 9 million in 2021, he said.
“From 2022, foldable phones will become mainstream and given Samsung’s positioning in this business … Samsung is the first mover in this important product category. We expect foldable to become a major earnings driver for its smartphone business in the coming years,” Rana said.
“We think Samsung is also a big beneficiary of U.S. sanction on Huawei and resulting decline in its smartphone market share globally. We believe Huawei’s weakness will present significant opportunities to Samsung next year,” Rana said.
Rana has an above average price target of 72,000 Korean won on Samsung’s stock, representing over 31% upside.
“Our view is that Samsung stock offers great value, it’s undervalued right now … but given its positioning in global semiconductors and smartphones and looking at what other semiconductor stocks have done globally year-to-date we think market is being too conservative in valuing the company,” said CLSA’s Rana.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
