Core Viewpoint - The storage chip market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by AI demand, leading to a seller's market where buyers face unprecedented contract terms and price increases [1][4]. Group 1: Contractual Changes - SanDisk has introduced a "100% cash prepayment" requirement for customers to secure supply quotas for 1 to 3 years, breaking industry norms [1][4]. - This unconventional contract form poses significant cash flow challenges for buyers, as traditional payment methods typically involve installment payments or credit terms [4]. Group 2: Price Increases - SanDisk plans to raise prices for enterprise-grade SSDs by over 100% month-on-month in March, driven by short-term supply shortages and increasing mid-term demand from the AI sector [1][5]. - The demand for enterprise storage is significantly influenced by NVIDIA's inference context memory storage platform, which requires substantial amounts of 3D NAND [5]. Group 3: Supply Chain Dynamics - Major storage manufacturers (Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron) have shifted their production capacity towards higher-margin HBM for AI applications, leading to a structural shortage in standard DDR4/DDR5 and NAND production [6]. - Tech giants like Google and Meta are actively seeking additional capacity and hiring specialized procurement managers to strengthen their supply chain relationships [6]. - Panic buying is prevalent, with companies like Lenovo stockpiling inventory and placing orders for future needs to avoid price hikes and shortages [6].
闪迪(SNDK.US)：涨价，且必须全款！