Kioxia forecasts $8.2 billion quarterly operating profit as AI demand lifts memory chips

Kioxia Holdings said May 15, 2026, it expects operating profit for the April-June quarter to reach 1.3 trillion yen, or $8.20 billion, as AI-related demand boosts NAND flash memory sales. The Japanese chipmaker reported operating profit rose 92.7% to 870.4 billion yen for the year ended March, beating analyst estimates. Kioxia also said it is preparing to list American depositary shares on a U.S. exchange to broaden its investor base. Kioxia’s shares have more than quadrupled in 2026, lifting its market capitalization above Sony and Fast Retailing, the parent of Uniqlo. The rally comes as memory-chip valuations surge globally, with Samsung Electronics exceeding $1 trillion and SK Hynix approaching that level. Kioxia, carved out of Toshiba by a Bain Capital-led consortium, listed in Tokyo in late 2024 after years of restructuring.