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HBM (high bandwidth memory) is memory that stacks multiple DRAM chips vertically to send and receive far more data at once. In AI accelerators, no matter how fast the GPU is, if data supply is slow it cannot deliver performance, so AI chip designers including Nvidia use high-capacity HBM as an essential component.
From HBM3E to HBM4 — an evolving memory standard
The current market center is HBM3E. SK hynix is a major memory partner of Nvidia and supplies HBM3 and HBM3E, while Samsung Electronics entered late but has completed Nvidia supply qualification and is expanding into foundry collaboration. HBM4 is the next-generation standard, with development underway to raise data transfer speed and power efficiency another notch. For beginners, however, the more important checkpoint than generation-by-generation specs is whether “qualification → mass production → shipment” happens.
Why Nvidia earnings shake Korean semiconductor stocks
As Nvidia earnings approach, market consensus is around $92 billion in revenue and EPS of $2.09. More than simply meeting expectations, the key variables are third-quarter guidance, maintaining a 75% gross margin, next-generation chip shipment plans, and any mention of the HBM4 supply chain. The supply-demand and earnings outlook for HBM suppliers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are tied to this announcement.
Investment checkpoints for beginners
It is hard to determine stock price direction from HBM news alone. It is important to check customer qualification, mass production schedules, yield, actual shipments, and profitability together. Recently, Samsung Electronics unveiled a 110 trillion won shareholder return plan, but its stock plunged 8.7% on concerns about the specificity of share buybacks and overhang related to the Financial Industry Structure Improvement Act. In contrast, SK hynix surged 12.7% on a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation plan and record second-quarter results of 79 trillion won in revenue and 60 trillion won in operating profit. This shows that even among HBM beneficiaries, reactions can diverge depending on shareholder return policy and supply-demand.
Related stocks to consider include Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Nvidia. South Korea’s semiconductor exports also hit a record high of $44.82 billion in June, and the recovery has continued into August, which is useful background for reading the industry cycle.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not recommend buying or selling any specific stock. For broader market trends, see the Daepak dashboard (/app).