Samsung may have overtaken SK hynix in HBM revenue, analysis suggests
Bernstein estimates Samsung's Q3 HBM revenue at $8.7B, up 33%, surpassing SK hynix's $7.6B, up 11%. Samsung's market share grew from 15% to 33% in a year. Both companies are key suppliers for Nvidia's AI platform. Samsung projects $81.2B operating profit; SK hynix is expected to report ~77 trillion won.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
The new estimates could reshape expectations for both companies' upcoming earnings and affect investor positioning in AI memory stocks.
Market read
First report of revised HBM revenue estimates suggests Samsung may have overtaken SK hynix, impacting stock outlooks ahead of earnings.
What to watch
Potential supply constraints or pricing pressure could limit actual revenue despite higher shipments.
Background
The article reports Bernstein's independent regression-based estimates of HBM revenue for Samsung and SK hynix, highlighting a possible shift in market leadership.
Ticker impact
Bernstein estimates Samsung's Q3 HBM revenue at $8.7 bn, up 33% QoQ, suggesting it may have overtaken SK hynix.
likely upside for Samsung as investors price higher HBM revenue; potential pressure on SK hynix.
New revenue estimates indicate market-share gain in AI memory, a key growth driver.
Bernstein estimates SK hynix's Q3 HBM revenue at $7.6 bn, up 11% QoQ, indicating it may have lost its lead to Samsung.
likely downside as market perceives reduced dominance in AI memory.
The new estimate shows a narrowing gap, which could shift investor sentiment.
Market effects
Signals stronger demand for AI memory, benefiting the broader semiconductor sector.
Korea's chipmakers may see increased investor focus ahead of earnings.
AI-driven memory demand could influence global tech hardware valuations.
Counterpoint
If HBM revenue growth stalls, the market may have overreacted to the estimate.
Key entities
- companySamsung Electronics
South Korean semiconductor giant, estimated HBM revenue $8.7 bn Q3.
- companySK hynix
South Korean memory chipmaker, estimated HBM revenue $7.6 bn Q3.



