Semiconductors & AI Chips Weekly Briefing

January 30, 2026

SK Hynix beat Samsung in profit fueled by HBM, Nvidia invested $2B in CoreWeave while exploring Intel foundries, and memory makers warned of a crunch until 2027, and more.

SK Hynix surpassed Samsung Electronics in annual operating profit for the first time, fueled by record financial results driven by robust demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). ^123456789
The rivalry in next-generation memory intensified as SK Hynix progressed significantly in Nvidia's HBM4 qualification tests, while Samsung Electronics completed its own HBM4 qualification testing, aiming for mass production. ^101112131415
Nvidia significantly boosted its infrastructure growth by investing $2 billion in cloud computing provider CoreWeave to develop AI factories, while also navigating scrutiny over its AI technology sales to China. ^161718192021
Nvidia, aiming to diversify its supply chain, reportedly plans to shift some of its next-gen GPU production to Intel's foundries, challenging TSMC's position as its primary manufacturer. ^2223242526
ASML reported better-than-expected orders, driven by soaring AI demand, but announced a reorganization plan that includes cutting about 1,700 jobs, primarily within its Technology and IT divisions. ^2728293031
AMD strengthened its presence in the AI ecosystem by securing recognition for applying generative AI in chip design and expanding its EPYC CPU presence in major cloud computing platforms. ^32333435
Memory chipmakers warned that the extreme demand driven by AI is expected to cause a severe supply crunch until 2027, leading both Samsung and SK Hynix to plan price increases of up to 100% for certain memory products. ^36373839

Sources

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