Samsung Electronics’ customers rave about its next-gen high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) chips’ standout competitiveness, chip chief and co-CEO Jun Young-hyun proclaimed in a New Year’s address: “Samsung is back.”
In October, the Korean powerhouse eyed Nvidia deals amid AI races against SK Hynix. “On HBM4, clients say ‘Samsung’s back’—though we must sharpen further,” Jun noted per Reuters-reviewed remarks.
SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung celebrated AI demand surges but flagged tougher 2026 battles, urging bold investments. Counterpoint data showed SK Hynix’s Q4 2025 HBM dominance (53% share), Samsung at 35%, Micron 11%. Shares soared New Year’s Day: Samsung +7.2%, SK Hynix +4%, topping KOSPI’s 2.3%.
Jun spotlighted foundry wins, like a $16.5 billion Tesla pact in July, fueling growth.
Device co-CEO TM Roh warned of 2026 risks from cost hikes and tariffs, vowing supply chain diversification and operations tweaks for resilience.
