Samsung Poised to Reclaim DRAM Lead as AI Memory Supercycle Deepens
A yearlong spike in DRAM prices tied to AI demand has left suppliers with only weeks of stock.
Overview
- Analysts project Samsung’s fourth‑quarter operating profit at about 18.4 trillion won, with roughly 15.1 trillion won from its semiconductor division.
- TrendForce reports DRAM contract prices have climbed about 420 percent this year to $19.50, with DDR5 modules rising more than 30 percent over the past month.
- Suppliers hold only two to three weeks of inventory, and researchers expect the shortage to extend into the first half of 2026.
- Major U.S. cloud providers, OEMs and Chinese CSPs are signing long‑term agreements to lock in supply, reinforcing a seller’s market.
- A DigiTimes report says Samsung is considering shifting some capacity from HBM to DDR5 and LPDDR to capture stronger margins.