Samsung Electronics has projected a 53% rise in profit for the initial quarter of 2013 to $7.7bn, on the back of a rise in its smartphone sales.
The forecast compares to $5.07bn operating profit generated during the corresponding quarter a year ago and a quarterly record of $7.82bn during the fourth quarter of 2012.
Samsung is also anticipating its sales during the quarter to rise by 14.9% to $71.13bn compared to the year-ago quarter.
During the quarter, Samsung has sold about 68-70 million mobiles up from 63 million sold in the last quarter of 2012.
Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 smartphone is expected to capture robust sales upon its scheduled commencement of sales during late April 2013.
The Android-based samrtphone boasts a five inch (12.7cm) screen and an improved processor.
Strategy Analytics has given a forecast that Samsung would widen its gap with Apple in global smartphone sales during 2013 with 35% rise in sales, which is mainly supported by its expanded product line up.
Samsung Electronics reported revenues of KRW56.06 trillion ($52.4bn) for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to KRW47.30 trillion ($44.2bn) it reported during the corresponding quarter in 2011.
