Core Viewpoint - SK Hynix has achieved the top position in the global DRAM market for the first time, surpassing Samsung Electronics, which had dominated the market for over 30 years [1][4]. Market Share and Performance - In Q1 of this year, SK Hynix held a 36% share of the global DRAM market, slightly ahead of Samsung's 34% and Micron's 25% [2][4]. - The strong growth of SK Hynix is primarily driven by its leading position in the High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) sector, where it commands a 70% market share [2][4]. HBM Technology and Demand - The surge in demand for HBM chips, fueled by the growth of artificial intelligence, has been a key factor in SK Hynix's rise [4][6]. - SK Hynix's latest 12-layer HBM3E chips have captured over 70% of global HBM sales in Q1, primarily supplying to leading AI companies like Nvidia [7]. Financial Performance - In 2022, SK Hynix's U.S. subsidiary reported sales of 33.49 trillion KRW (approximately $23 billion) and a net profit of 1.049 trillion KRW (approximately $7.19 million), marking a 2.6-fold increase from the previous year [7]. - The total sales for SK Hynix reached 66.19 trillion KRW, with operating profit at 23.47 trillion KRW, driven significantly by HBM products [7]. Future Outlook - SK Hynix anticipates that the demand for HBM memory chips will grow at an annual rate of 82% by 2027, supported by the ongoing AI boom [7][8]. - The company plans to complete the development and mass production of its 12-layer HBM4 chips by the end of this year, with expectations to start supplying them in 2025 [8]. Competitive Landscape - Samsung's reliance on traditional DRAM, which constitutes 80-90% of its sales, contrasts with SK Hynix's focus on HBM, positioning SK Hynix advantageously as demand for traditional memory declines [8][9]. - Analysts believe that SK Hynix is likely to maintain its lead in the second quarter, despite concerns over potential U.S. tariffs [9]. Technological Advancements - SK Hynix has achieved an 80% yield rate for its new 1c DRAM process, a significant improvement as it prepares to launch the world's first 16GB DDR5 DRAM based on this technology [10][11]. - The company is set to be the first to mass-produce HBM4, further widening the gap with competitors like Samsung, which has struggled with yield rates for its 1c DRAM modules [11][12]. Industry Dynamics - The semiconductor market is witnessing intense competition, with emerging players from China and Taiwan also making strides in technology and product development [16]. - The ongoing technological transformation in the DRAM sector presents both challenges and opportunities for existing and new players in the market [16].