JX Metals Crushes Q1 Earnings Estimates with 2.8x Operating Profit Surge

JX Metals, a leading Japanese metals and materials company, reported a significant boost in its first-quarter operating profit to ¥81.4 billion (approximately $515.6 million), a staggering 2.8-fold increase from the same period last year.

The surge was driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which fueled sales of thin-film materials such as semiconductor sputtering targets and information and communication materials.

A weaker yen, rising copper prices, and a gain from the partial sale of a mining interest also contributed to the company's improved performance. As a result, JX Metals raised its consolidated full-year earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027, lifting operating profit to ¥232 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) and net profit attributable to owners of the parent to ¥141 billion (approximately $893.2 million).