Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest maker of memory chips and flat screen TVs, reported Friday a quarterly record of 39.42 trillion won (US$34 billion) in consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009, up 18.9 percent from the previous year.

The company also reached an operating profit of 3.70 trillion won (US$3.19 billion) for the cited period, reversing last year's loss of 740 billion won (US$638.2 million) in the same period, although it was a 12.5 percent decrease quarter-on-quarter, Samsung said.

Backed by strong earnings in the fourth quarter, Samsung's full year 2009 revenue reached 136.29 trillion won (US$117.5 billion) and an operating profit of 10.92 trillion won (US$9.4 billion), both company records, it added.

The quarterly sales growth was largely brought by improved pricing for memory semiconductors and seasonal increase in consumer electronics sales, Samsung said, adding that it forecasts another positive growth across its businesses in 2010.

"Despite the uncertain business environment in 2009, Samsung was able to achieve record revenues and strong profitability based on our technological and marketplace leadership," said Robert Yi, Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics' Investor Relations Team.

Despite the upbeat reports, Samsung Electronics shares dropped 2.97 percent to 784,000 won (US$674.99) on the Seoul bourse Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2010)