The global memory market landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift amid the soaring demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. This year, the competition for technological leadership between Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is expected to intensify further.
In particular, the next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market has emerged as a key variable that could significantly impact the companies' performance.
According to industry sources, SK Hynix is accelerating its lead in technology by supplying HBM4 samples to major clients. Building on its previous success of exclusively supplying HBM3E to Nvidia, the company is projected to maintain high profitability this year.
In fact, SK Hynix's operating profit for the first quarter is expected to reach approximately 6.5 trillion won, more than double compared to the previous year.
On the other hand, Samsung Electronics is preparing a full-scale counteroffensive as the memory market begins to rebound. If Samsung passes Nvidia's HBM quality verification (qual test), it is expected to enter the HBM supply race in earnest, potentially shaking SK Hynix’s current dominance. Samsung is likely to pass the qual test within the first half of this year.
Additionally, Samsung is also anticipating a recovery in the general-purpose memory market, including DRAM and NAND flash.
Industry analysts predict that Samsung will rapidly regain profitability in the second half of the year, with the Device Solutions (DS) division’s operating profit expected to reach 6.3 trillion won in the third quarter and 8.1 trillion won in the fourth quarter.
Kim Dong-won, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, “As global demand recovery outpaces supply growth, Samsung is expected to raise DRAM and NAND prices starting this month,” adding, “Improved profitability is anticipated through securing pricing power.
Samsung and SK Hynix Intensify HBM War Amid Soaring AI Demand: Who Will Emerge Victorious? - 스페셜경제
The global memory market landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift amid the soaring demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. This year, the competition for technological leadership be...
www.speconomy.com