存储业格局生变，三星地位遭挑战

Core Viewpoint - The storage industry is undergoing significant changes driven by the rise of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), with DDR4 prices increasing and Samsung Electronics experiencing a decline in quarterly profits, indicating a shift in focus towards HBM production [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - DDR4 prices have surged due to production cuts, while HBM is becoming the focal point of competition in the storage sector, leading manufacturers to shift capacity towards HBM [1][4]. - Samsung Electronics reported a projected sales revenue of 74 trillion KRW (approximately 55.5 billion USD) for Q2 2025, a slight decrease of 0.09% year-on-year, with operating profit dropping by 55.94% to 4.6 trillion KRW (about 3.3 billion USD), marking the lowest level in six quarters [4]. - SK Hynix has gained market share in the DRAM sector, achieving a 36% share in Q1 2023, surpassing Samsung for the first time, and holding a 70% share in the HBM market [4][8]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The industry is moving towards the development of HBM4, with SK Hynix and Micron completing certifications for their HBM3e products, while Samsung is expected to complete its HBM3e certification by Q3 2025 [5][6]. - HBM technology faces challenges in both front-end and back-end processes, with future developments expected to include increased stacking layers and new manufacturing techniques [9]. Group 3: Customization Trends - The demand for HBM is expected to grow due to the strong AI market, with Nvidia currently consuming 61% of HBM, but this share is projected to decrease as more ASIC suppliers enter the market [8][10]. - Custom HBM solutions are being developed by several IT companies, including Nvidia, Amazon, and Microsoft, with expectations for significant market expansion by 2026 when HBM4 is launched [10][11].