[Click eStock] "3 Beneficiary Stocks of HBM Demand Increase"

ResearchAlum analyzed on the 19th that high-performance memory is essential to improve the vast data processing speed of artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasized the need to focus on HBM-related stocks that are currently leading the early market.

Researchers Kim Jaemu and Moon Juseong of ResearchAlum explained, "The demand for AI GPUs still exceeds supply," adding, "NVIDIA expects shipments of the H100 to more than double compared to the previous year."

They continued, "SK Hynix is virtually the exclusive supplier of HBM3 to NVIDIA," and "They are also preparing to supply the next-generation product, HBM3e." They emphasized, "As the transition from DDR4 to DDR5 progresses, SK Hynix appears to have superior technology compared to competitors in the high-performance DDR5 and HBM markets."

Researcher Kim also analyzed, "QRT is the only domestic company specializing in reliability evaluation before mass production of semiconductors," noting, "There is a high entry barrier due to the process being distinct from tests provided by outsourced semiconductor back-end (OSAT) companies, making it difficult for other companies to enter." Furthermore, he explained, "As demand for high-performance semiconductors for advanced industries such as AI and aerospace increases, the importance of reliability evaluation for safety is also growing," adding, "The time required for testing and technological improvements act as factors for price increases."

He introduced, "During the packaging process, spherical solder balls are attached to the bottom when bonding the semiconductor substrate and chip die," and stated, "Protec, together with Amkor Technology, developed a next-generation technology using laser-based reflow." Additionally, he noted, "The process time, which previously took 5 to 7 minutes, has been reduced to 1 to 2 seconds," and predicted, "They are conducting mass production tests with overseas OSAT companies, so commercialization is expected soon."