"If Not, AI": Bitcoin Miners Post Surprise Q1 Profits Despite Halving

▲ Bitcoin (BTC) mining/AI generated image

The Bitcoin (BTC) mining industry recorded strong performance in Q1 2026, overcoming the decline in profitability due to the halving through the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

According to a BeInCrypto report, the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) business segment was prominent in the Q1 results of major Bitcoin mining companies as of May 4. Core Scientific significantly increased its revenue year-over-year based on contracts to supply AI computing services. HIVE Digital Technologies also successfully diversified its revenue structure by increasing the utilization of its high-performance computing infrastructure.

Mining companies are converting their existing power grids to operate AI servers to respond to the decrease in Bitcoin mining rewards. TeraWulf exceeded market expectations by recording $18.5 million in AI-related revenue alone in Q1. Bitdigital also led a stock price rally by raising its annual recurring revenue target for the AI business segment.

The surge in computing demand in the AI industry is becoming a new opportunity for mining companies. Adam Sullivan, CEO of Core Scientific, stated, "The demand for AI infrastructure complements the variable profitability of Bitcoin mining." The large-scale power infrastructure and cooling systems held by mining companies are optimized assets for building data centers for AI training. Institutional investors are paying attention to mining companies with a high proportion of AI business, which can offset Bitcoin price volatility.

The transformation of mining companies is fundamentally changing the revenue model of the virtual asset mining industry. AI computing services have become a key driver for generating stable cash flow in addition to mining rewards. The Q1 earnings announcements prove that mining companies are evolving into advanced technology companies.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*