Core Viewpoint - Micron Technology expresses confidence in selling out its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips next year, which are crucial for artificial intelligence (AI) applications [2][3]. Group 1: HBM Market Dynamics - Micron's Chief Business Officer, Sumit Sadhana, announced significant progress in discussions regarding HBM supply for 2026, indicating confidence in selling all HBM inventory next year [2]. - The primary focus for Micron's supply next year will be on HBM3E (12-layer) and potentially HBM4 (sixth generation) [3]. - Micron and SK Hynix dominate the market for the leading product, 12-layer HBM3E, which holds a 90% share in the AI chip market [3]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Micron differentiates itself by highlighting its relationship with Nvidia, stating that it has already begun mass production of HBM3E [3]. - SK Hynix and Samsung are also in the race, with plans to launch HBM4 in the second half of this year, while Micron aims for next year [3][4]. - Micron's HBM4 will utilize the same 1β node production as HBM3E, which is considered mature and high-performing, contrasting with competitors who are exploring newer nodes [4]. Group 3: Pricing and Production Challenges - HBM4 is expected to double the I/O count compared to the previous generation, leading to a projected price increase of about 30%, reaching approximately $500 per unit [5]. - Negotiations between SK Hynix and Nvidia regarding HBM supply for 2026 have faced delays, raising concerns about finalizing contracts [5]. - Micron's HBM4 is positioned to leverage the established 1β process, while Samsung's approach may require additional validation due to its use of a newer 1c node [5].

Core Viewpoint - SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung Electronics to become the leading DRAM manufacturer in the first quarter of 2023, marking a significant shift in market leadership [1][2]. Market Share Analysis - In Q1 2023, SK Hynix achieved a DRAM market sales revenue of $9.72 billion, capturing a market share of 36%, while Samsung Electronics held a 33.7% share and Micron had 24.3% [1]. - The market share of SK Hynix slightly decreased from 36.6% in Q4 2022, while Samsung's share dropped significantly from 39.3% [1][2]. - In Q1 2022, Samsung's market share was 43.9% compared to SK Hynix's 31.1%, indicating a rapid narrowing of the gap over the past year [2]. Product Development and Strategy - The shift in market dynamics is attributed to the increased shipment of high-value products like HBM3E by SK Hynix, while Samsung faced challenges in selling HBM products to China, leading to a decline in HBM3E shipments [2]. - SK Hynix is currently the exclusive supplier of NVIDIA's fifth-generation HBM3E and has provided samples of the next-generation HBM4 [2]. - Samsung is implementing a strategy to regain competitiveness in the HBM sector by reducing production of older HBM models and focusing on the latest products, particularly HBM4 [3]. Market Outlook - The global DRAM market sales in Q1 2023 decreased by 5.5% to $27.01 billion due to falling contract prices and reduced HBM shipments [3]. - TrendForce predicts a recovery in the DRAM market in Q2 2023 as PC and smartphone manufacturers adjust inventory and increase production [4].