★Top 10 Popular Themes

1 Semiconductors

2 Artificial Intelligence

3 Space Development

4 Physical AI

5 Data Centers

6 Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

7 Drones

8 Storage Batteries

9 JPX-Nikkei 400

10 Defense

In the "Popular Theme Rankings" compiled by Minkabu and Kabutan, "NAND Flash Memory" ranks 16th.

Following the rapid growth of the generative AI market, a global construction rush for AI data centers continues. Demand for NAND flash memory for storage devices in AI servers installed in these AI data centers is showing explosive growth.

NAND flash memory has traditionally been mainly used for smartphones and personal computers, and demand declines during inventory adjustment phases for smartphones. In recent years, the market was seen as saturated, but the emergence of generative AI has completely changed the outlook. This is symbolized by the performance of Kioxia Holdings <285A>, which boasts world-leading market share as a NAND flash memory manufacturer. In the company's earnings forecast for the April-June 2026 period disclosed on the 15th last week, net profit is expected to reach 869 billion yen, 48 times the previous year's level, entering a remarkable growth trend. The company's 3D NAND memory has become the growth driver. South Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which are the world's top two players, have similarly transformed their earnings and stock prices, and NAND memory is attracting intense global attention.

In the Tokyo market, in addition to Kioxia, related stocks include major semiconductor manufacturing equipment companies such as ADVANTEST CORPORATION <6857> and Tokyo Electron Limited <8035>, as well as major silicon wafer manufacturers such as SUMCO CORPORATION <3436> and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. <4063>. Others include TOMEN DEVICES CORPORATION <2737>, SHINDEN HIGHTEX CORPORATION <3131>, and INNOTECH CORPORATION <9880>.

Source: MINKABU PRESS

*Translated by generative AI. Click here for the original article.