Samsung’s AI-Driven Stock Surge Nears Record High

Samsung Electronics Co. shares soared 6% to 94,300 won in Seoul trading as markets reopened after a holiday break, extending this year's rally to 76%. The tech giant's market capitalization now stands at $390 billion, fueled by Optimism around its artificial intelligence capabilities.

Investors are betting Samsung can close the gap with smaller rival SK Hynix Inc. in supplying high-bandwidth memory chips to Nvidia Corp. and other AI developers. A potential supply deal with OpenAI adds to the bullish sentiment. "The valuation discount for Samsung's HBM offerings is disappearing," noted NH Investment & Securities trader Shawn Oh.

While Samsung dominates traditional memory chip markets, analysts anticipate a coming 'supercycle' for DRAM and NAND flash products. The supply crunch coincides with advanced negotiations between Samsung and Nvidia regarding AI chip volumes and pricing.