Samsung SDI has released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, showing signs of recovery despite a challenging market.

 

In Q4, the battery and electronic materials maker posted revenue of KRW 3.86 trillion, up 26.4% from the previous quarter and 2.8% year-on-year. The operating loss narrowed sharply to KRW 299.2 billion, halving the previous quarter’s deficit. For the full year, Samsung SDI reported revenue of KRW 13.27 trillion and an operating loss of KRW 1.72 trillion.

 

Battery revenue reached KRW 3.62 trillion in Q4, a 28.4% jump from the prior quarter and 1.6% rise year-on-year, with an operating loss of KRW 338.5 billion. Energy storage system (ESS) batteries posted record quarterly revenue, while benefits from the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC) and compensation tied to lower EV battery volumes helped narrow losses.

 

Electronic materials remained steady, generating KRW 236.7 billion in revenue with KRW 39.3 billion in operating profit.

 

Samsung SDI said 2025 was marked by “significant order wins from global customers” despite policy shifts in key markets and weaker U.S. EV demand. The company, the only non-Chinese prismatic battery maker, expanded its ESS lineup with both NCA- and LFP-based solutions and boosted U.S. production capacity.

 

The company also continued investing in future technology, entering a joint development agreement with BMW for all-solid-state batteries and signing a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor and Kia for batteries dedicated to robotic applications.

 

“These efforts have translated into tangible order wins supporting Samsung SDI’s mid- to long-term growth,” the company said, highlighting supply agreements for NCA-based 46-series cylindrical batteries, large-scale prismatic LFP contracts for ESS, and domestic ESS project wins. The firm also launched high-power tabless cylindrical batteries, now supplying global power tool makers.

 

While EV battery growth outside China is expected to be modest at around 6% due to easing green policies and automaker strategy adjustments, Samsung SDI sees strong demand for ESS batteries. Growth drivers include AI data centers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and battery backup unit (BBU) applications.

 

The company also expects small battery demand to rebound, particularly for professional power tools and emerging applications like robotics. The electronic materials business is projected to maintain solid growth, fueled by AI server and semiconductor material investment.

 

To capitalize on these trends, Samsung SDI plans to expand U.S. production of prismatic LFP ESS batteries, broaden EV battery sales with new LFP and mid-nickel offerings, and increase orders for hybrid electric vehicle projects using high-power tabless cylindrical batteries. The company also aims to grow its small battery and electronic materials segments.

 

“Through greater focus and prioritization to improve management efficiency, swifter responses to customers and the market, and continued preparation for future technologies, we aim to make this year a turning point toward a full business turnaround,” said a Samsung SDI official.