SK hynix is expected to invest more in semiconductor plant construction this year than Samsung Electronics.
According to the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), SK hynix's estimated construction expense for semiconductor plant construction this year (excluding equipment investment) is expected to be $2.8 billion, an 80.6% increase compared to last year's $1.55 billion. In contrast, Samsung Electronics' construction expense is estimated at $2.35 billion, a 64.6% decrease from last year's $6.645 billion.
It is unusual for SK hynix to surpass Samsung Electronics, which engages in memory as well as foundry (contract semiconductor production) businesses, in terms of construction expense scale. This appears to stem from the difference in investment speeds between the two corporations.
In response to the growing demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM), SK hynix is building the M15X plant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and plans to mass produce HBM DRAM after its completion in November this year. Additionally, construction began in February for the first phase of the Yongin semiconductor cluster, and an HBM packaging plant in Taylor, Texas, is expected to start construction within the year.
In contrast, Samsung Electronics has halted construction of its fifth plant in Pyeongtaek due to sluggishness in the semiconductor business, and the schedule for its foundry plant in Taylor, Texas, has been postponed due to delays in securing major clients.