Samsung Electronics announced record first-quarter profits, projecting 57.2 trillion won ($37.92 billion) in operating profit - nearly tripling its previous quarterly high and beating estimates by 40%.
Demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure has dramatically increased chip prices, with contract DRAM prices expected to rise 50% in the current quarter. Samsung's chip division generated 54 trillion won, representing 95% of total profits.
Revenue jumped 68% to 133 trillion won as traditional memory chip shortages created pricing power. Samsung shipped its first HBM4 chips to Nvidia in February, narrowing gaps with rival SK Hynix.
Analysts project continued growth with total operating profit reaching 75 trillion won this quarter. However, recent spot DRAM prices showed signs of cooling, raising questions about sustainability during ongoing Middle East conflicts affecting supply chains.