The demand for AI memory has propelled SK Hynix to the forefront of the global DRAM market, surpassing the long-standing leader, Samsung, for the first time. Recent research indicates that SK Hynix captured 36% of the DRAM market in the first quarter of 2025, while Samsung held 34%. This notable achievement marks the end of Samsung’s dominance in DRAM manufacturing, which lasted for three decades. A key driver behind this market shift has been SK Hynix’s emphasis on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, which are vital for artificial intelligence applications.
These specialized HBM DRAM chips allow for enhanced data processing capabilities by stacking multiple DRAM dies. Jeongku Choi, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted that SK Hynix’s success in catering to the soaring demand for HBM memory signifies a crucial milestone for the company. Currently, SK Hynix holds a commanding 70% share of the HBM market. This market transition comes on the heels of SK Hynix reporting an operating profit that outpaced Samsung’s in the final quarter of 2024.
According to analysts, SK Hynix is expected to continue performing well in financial terms, forecasting a 38% rise in sales and a 129% increase in operating profit. This aligns with the broader semiconductor industry’s shift towards specialized memory solutions driven by AI technologies. Despite the positive outlook, analysts caution that challenges may lie ahead, particularly concerning tariff impacts and potential trade shocks. While current AI demand remains strong, long-term structural challenges could pose risks to HBM DRAM market growth.
Industry experts, including Morgan Stanley analysts, warn that macroeconomic factors may overshadow earnings reports, emphasizing that while SK Hynix currently leads, Samsung remains a formidable competitor in the memory sector. The changing dynamics between these two companies emphasizes the evolving landscape of AI-specific hardware and its significance for the future of technology.