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SK Hynix, Samsung Post Record Profits as AI Memory Boom Tightens Supply

Both firms prepare larger investment to expand HBM capacity with HBM4 entering the market.

Overview

  • SK Hynix reported a record 11.38–11.4 trillion won operating profit on 24.4 trillion won revenue and said all DRAM, HBM and NAND output for 2026 is already committed.
  • SK Hynix confirmed HBM4 completed development and entered mass production, with initial shipments starting in the fourth quarter and broader sales planned next year.
  • Samsung posted 12.2 trillion won in operating profit as its memory unit set a quarterly sales record, with HBM3E in mass production to all customers and HBM4 samples shipped to key clients.
  • Capacity is being expanded as SK Hynix accelerates its M15X fab ramp and plans higher investment next year, while Samsung signalled significant capex and a larger HBM bit output plan for 2026, saying demand will exceed its supply.
  • Industry trackers show SK Hynix leading recent HBM and edging Samsung in DRAM share, and analysts expect tight supply and rising memory prices to persist, though export-control risks remain.