Demand for AI reminiscence chips hits document excessive, Samsung’s second-quarter revenue soars 19 instances

  • Samsung expects its working revenue to extend 19 instances to 89.4 trillion received within the second quarter.
  • Gross sales are anticipated to achieve 171 trillion received, exceeding most market expectations.
  • Regardless of document income, Samsung shares fell as buyers questioned the AI ​​increase.

Samsung Electronics expects certainly one of its strongest quarters in its historical past as gross sales and income rose sharply as a consequence of demand for AI reminiscence chips.

The South Korean semiconductor maker expects second-quarter working revenue for the April-June interval to be 89.4 trillion received ($58.4 billion), a rise of practically 19 instances from the identical interval final 12 months. This determine additionally exceeded market expectations, with analysts anticipating 84.2 trillion received to 87.3 trillion received.

Gross sales are anticipated to achieve 171 trillion received, a rise of 129% from the earlier 12 months, exceeding the consensus estimate of 169.2 trillion received, however barely decrease than some estimates of 173.3 trillion received. Samsung is scheduled to launch its full earnings report on July 30, together with web revenue and enterprise unit outcomes.

The corporate has now achieved three consecutive quarterly working revenue information, pushed virtually fully by the worldwide race to construct out AI infrastructure.

Costs proceed to rise as a consequence of chip scarcity

The calls for of AI information facilities have created a major scarcity of superior reminiscence chips, particularly high-bandwidth reminiscence (HBM), server DRAM, and NAND flash.

Main AI corporations reminiscent of Nvidia and OpenAI have repeatedly cited lack of reminiscence as one of many greatest limitations to AI enlargement. Chipmakers are shifting manufacturing to premium AI reminiscence, lowering the provision of conventional reminiscence utilized in smartphones, laptops, and different client electronics.

The imbalance reportedly pushed common DRAM costs up greater than 40% quarter-on-quarter within the April-June interval, whereas NAND costs rose greater than 50%.

Analysis agency IDC stated demand from AI information facilities is creating provide circumstances the reminiscence trade has by no means seen earlier than. Analysts broadly count on provide constraints to persist till no less than 2027, permitting Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron Expertise to take care of robust pricing energy.

Regardless of document income, buyers concentrate on AI valuation

Shares fell between 6% and eight% after the earnings launch as buyers questioned whether or not the present tempo of AI funding may proceed. Many had been anticipating a good stronger efficiency, as Samsung’s inventory has risen about 165% this 12 months after rising fivefold over the previous 12 months.

Samsung additionally lags behind home rival SK Hynix. SK Hynix has elevated its publicity to AI-focused reminiscence chips, driving its inventory worth up about 260% this 12 months.

In the meantime, South Korea’s Kospi index reversed its earlier good points, however weak point in South Korean reminiscence shares additionally weighed on corporations reminiscent of Micron. Traders are more and more targeted on the AI ​​progress story and whether or not large-scale investments in AI infrastructure will proceed to generate equally robust returns.

Business analysts say AI demand will stay robust into subsequent 12 months, however the outlook past that’s much less unsure. Some argue there’s nonetheless no proof that buyer demand is maintaining with manufacturing capability, protecting the provision atmosphere favorable for reminiscence makers.

Associated: Firms query consortium itemizing claims, Samsung Electronics and Dunam be part of forces to advertise OUSD

Disclaimer: The data contained on this article is for informational and academic functions solely. This text doesn’t represent monetary recommendation or recommendation of any sort. Coin Version just isn’t accountable for any losses incurred on account of using the content material, merchandise, or providers talked about. We encourage our readers to conduct due diligence earlier than taking any motion associated to our firm.