Samsung Electronics has given its guidance for the second quarter of 2012, estimating operating profits at about KRW6.7 trillion (US$5.8 billion) - a record high.

The forecast profit figure shows growth of almost 15% on quarter and 80% from a year earlier.

Samsung expects second-quarter sales to be between KRW46 trillion and KRW48 trillion, up about 4% sequentially and 19% on year.

Samsung previously stated that profitability in its chip business would see improvement thanks to more favorable PC DRAM prices and sales of its new mobile application processors built using 32nm process technology. Meanwhile, the vendor would continue expanding sales of its handset division with rollouts of new high-end smartphones and growing presence in emerging markets.

Samsung posted record operating profits of KRW5.85 trillion in the first quarter of 2012, on consolidated sales of KRW45.27 trillion. The firm credited the positive results to growth in its mobile communications business.