South Korea Technology Korea WFE Substrate CCL Chip testing HBM Supply Chain Check reinforces our positive view on Samsung E...
- **HBM TAM Growth Catalyst**: HBM total addressable market growth at 67% and 108% YoY drives robust demand for Samsung, SK Hynix, and SEMCO, with expanding order backlogs across WFE, substrate/CCL, and chip testing sectors.
- **Structural Supply-Demand Imbalance**: 2026E DRAM undersupply at 5.0% (expanding to 5.9% in 2027E) and NAND undersupply at 4.4% (vs.
- 2025E’s 4.2%) signal persistent demand outpacing supply, supporting capex growth and earnings.
- **SEC Capex Surge & Profitability**: Korean front-end equipment firms project 59% YoY capex growth (2026) with Q2 2026 operating profit up 42% YoY, driven by 73% YoY WFE import surge and expanding order backlogs.