内存芯片，寒冬已过？

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is showing signs of recovery, particularly in the memory chip sector, with increasing prices, inventory reduction, and order recovery indicating a potential end to the "winter" previously forecasted by Morgan Stanley [3][25]. Group 1: Signals of Recovery - Signal 1: South Korea's general DRAM exports have surged, with a 27.8% increase in March, 38% in April, 36% in May, and 25.5% in the first 20 days of June, indicating a shift towards supply-demand tightness [4][6]. - Signal 2: Samsung's general DRAM performance is improving, with expected operating profit of 2 trillion KRW (approximately 1.5 billion USD) in Q2, doubling from the previous quarter due to rising DRAM prices [9]. - Signal 3: DDR4 prices have skyrocketed, with a 16Gb DDR4 chip price rising from 5.6 USD on May 23 to 11.5 USD by June 20, while DDR5 prices remain stable around 6 USD [11][13]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Signal 4: Micron reported strong financial results with quarterly revenue of 9.3 billion USD, a 15.5% quarter-over-quarter increase, and a 36.6% year-over-year increase, significantly exceeding market expectations [14]. - Signal 5: SK Hynix has gained a competitive edge in the DRAM market, achieving a 36% market share in Q1, driven by HBM demand, and expects Q2 operating profit to reach nearly 9 trillion KRW (approximately 6.6 billion USD) [17][19]. Group 3: Structural Changes in the Industry - The current recovery is attributed to structural changes, including the active phase-out of DDR4 by major manufacturers, which reduces supply pressure and shifts focus to DDR5 and HBM products [21]. - Capacity shifts towards HBM production are increasing unit profits, with SK Hynix's capital expenditure rising to 29 trillion KRW, reflecting a strategic pivot to higher-value products [22]. - Policy-driven inventory accumulation due to uncertain trade policies has further contributed to rising short-term prices [23]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The semiconductor industry is expected to enter a new growth cycle, with multiple indicators suggesting that the "chip winter" may be over, despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [26][27].