AI-driven rally pushes all three global memory chipmakers above trillion-dollar mark
The burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) boom has propelled all three of the world’s leading memory chip manufacturers – SK hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Micron Technology – into the exclusive trillion-dollar market capitalization club. SK hynix marked this significant milestone on Wednesday, joining its peers amidst an unprecedented surge in the semiconductor sector driven by AI demand.
As trading commenced, SK hynix shares soared by 9.94 percent, an increase of 204,000 won ($135.7), bringing its price to 2.26 million won (approximately $1,503) per share, after an opening jump of 11.06 percent to an intraday high of 2.279 million won. This impressive performance elevated SK hynix’s market capitalization to approximately 1,600 trillion won (around $1.06 trillion), securing its position as the 12th most valuable company globally.
This collective achievement signifies that Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron Technology are now all valued above $1 trillion, a direct result of extensive AI infrastructure investments. The rally gained significant momentum after Micron Technology’s shares surged 19.29 percent overnight, pushing the U.S. memory chipmaker past the trillion-dollar threshold following a sharp upgrade to its target price by UBS.
UBS highlighted Micron’s transformation from a traditional cyclical semiconductor company into a structurally higher-margin business, reflecting a broader, fundamental shift across the memory industry. Analysts concur that the sector, historically characterized by volatile boom-and-bust cycles driven by supply-demand imbalances, is now undergoing a profound structural change. This transformation is fueled by insatiable AI demand, which is tightening supply and fostering more stable, long-term supply agreements spanning three to five years, ensuring sustained growth.
Notably, Samsung Electronics had previously achieved its trillion-dollar valuation on May 6, becoming the first Korean company to do so.
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