STOCKS | Counterpoint Says Memory Chip Fundamentals Remain Solid Despite Share Pullback

Counterpoint Research said a recent pullback in memory chip makers’ share prices does not signal a fundamental shift in the memory chip market. According to Jin10, Counterpoint Research director MS Hwang said the decline should not be interpreted as a change in underlying market conditions. Samsung Electronics fell 6.9% on Tuesday, and SK Hynix fell 6.1%, even as Samsung said it expected another quarter of record results driven by strong demand. Hwang said some investors may believe much of Samsung’s upside, supported by expectations of improved profitability, has already been priced in. He added that recent strike actions and political discussions around profit sharing may also be raising concerns about future shareholder returns. However, he said the fundamentals for memory chip makers remain solid. In Counterpoint’s July memory chip price tracking report, the firm said third-quarter DRAM prices were expected to rise 10% to 20% as customers continued to place orders early, above its initial forecast of a 5% to 10% increase.