Samsung Set for Record Profit Surge on AI Chip Boom

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Samsung Electronics is expected to report a sharp surge in quarterly profit, driven by soaring demand for memory chips fueled by the global artificial intelligence boom.

Analysts project operating profit of around 40.5 trillion won ($26.9 billion) for the January–March period, marking a six-fold increase and potentially a record quarterly result. Revenue is also expected to rise by roughly 50%, supported by what the company describes as an “unprecedented supercycle” in memory chips.

The surge has been driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure, where advanced memory such as DRAM plays a critical role. Rising prices and tight supply have significantly boosted margins for chipmakers.

However, risks remain. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could disrupt supply chains and increase energy costs, potentially slowing investment in data centers. Additionally, recent signs of easing memory prices and reduced consumer demand for electronics have raised concerns among investors.

Samsung’s shares have declined about 14% since late February amid these uncertainties, though they remain significantly higher year-to-date due to AI-driven optimism.

Despite short-term volatility, industry experts expect continued supply shortages in memory chips. Market forecasts suggest DRAM prices could rise further in the coming quarter, reflecting sustained demand and limited production capacity.

While Samsung’s semiconductor division is set to deliver strong performance, its other businesses—including smartphones and display panels—are expected to face pressure from rising component costs and competitive markets. The company may also encounter labor challenges, with unions pushing for changes in compensation structures.

Overall, Samsung’s results highlight the central role of memory chips in the AI economy, even as broader risks continue to shape the outlook.

Payment System Outage Disrupts Moscow Transport and Shops

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A widespread payment system disruption caused significant disruption across Moscow on Friday, affecting public transport, retail stores and services.

Shoppers and commuters reported failures in card and QR code payments, with many businesses temporarily switching to cash-only transactions. The issue also impacted the Moscow metro, where turnstiles were opened to allow passengers to travel without payment during the outage.

The disruption was linked to problems involving Sberbank, Russia’s largest financial institution, though the exact cause has not been disclosed. The bank later confirmed that services had been restored but did not provide further details.

Other services were also affected, including a regional zoo in Belgorod, which asked visitors to pay in cash due to the outage. Petrol stations and shops across the region experienced similar issues for about an hour.

Authorities, including Central Bank of Russia, have not yet commented on the root cause of the disruption.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of digital payment infrastructure in large urban centers, particularly when widely used systems experience sudden failures.

Turkey Probes Google Over Advertising Practices

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Turkish Competition Board has launched an investigation into Google and its parent Alphabet Inc. over concerns related to advertising and billing practices.

The probe will examine whether Google’s commercial conduct in its online advertising services violates Turkish competition laws. Authorities are focusing on how the company charges advertisers and advertising agencies, as well as whether its billing systems and practices create unfair market conditions.

Regulators have not yet concluded whether any violations occurred, but the investigation signals increasing scrutiny of major technology firms in digital advertising markets.

Google has faced similar regulatory pressure globally, as governments assess the dominance of large platforms in online advertising and their relationships with clients and partners.

The outcome of the investigation could lead to fines or regulatory changes if authorities determine that competition rules have been breached.