Samsung's chip unit returned to profit in Q1 on strong AI demand

SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics' semiconductor unit returned to profit in the first quarter as demand for advanced memory chips critical for artificial intelligence computing soared sharply, recovering from a yearslong downturn.

The world's biggest memory chipmaker on Tuesday said its device solutions (DS) division posted a 1.9 trillion won ($1.4 billion) operating profit for the first three months this year, turning from a 4.6 trillion won operating loss a year ago. The division's revenue jumped 68% to 23.1 trillion won during the same period. The DS division includes its memory, system and foundry chip businesses.