Samsung’s Chip Profit Soars 48-Fold Due to AI Spending Spree

Samsung Electronics Co.’s semiconductor arm brought in historic profit over the March quarter, beating expectations with a 48-fold jump as AI data center orders delivered hefty margins.

The chipmaking unit, which competes with SK Hynix Inc. and US-based Micron Technology Inc. in memory, reported an operating income of 53.7 trillion won ($36 billion) in the first quarter. The result compares with the average analyst estimate of 35.3 trillion won. Group-wide net income rose to 47.1 trillion won.