Samsung Electronics has projected its operating profit surged more than eightfold to a record Won57.2tn ($38bn) in the first quarter, attributing the surge to an "unprecedented supercycle" for memory chips driven by the AI boom. The figure exceeds Samsung's entire 2025 operating profit projection of Won43.6tn, with sales climbing 68% to Won133tn.

The guidance significantly surpassed the Won40.5tn forecast by LSEG SmartEstimates. This performance comes despite escalating Middle East conflicts that have increased energy costs for data centers. Analyst Daniel Kim of Macquarie called it "historically the best single print ever for Korean chipmaking corporates."

Samsung's shares jumped 5% following the announcement, extending their 70% year-to-date rally driven by robust Big Tech AI investments. The Middle East conflict has yet to disrupt chip production as a severe semiconductor shortage has outweighed rising energy costs, though concerns remain about potential helium supply disruptions. Korean chipmakers maintain over six months of helium inventory.