AI memory boom lifts Kioxia, but oversupply and competition bite
Profit surge and strategic wins Kioxia's operating profit hit ¥1.27tn as AI demand stayed strong. It deepened ties with NVIDIA, began 3D flash production, extended its Sandisk joint venture to 2034, and repaid debt, boosting confidence.
These fundamental achievements drove investor optimism and supported the stock's underlying value.
US listing and Japan investment planned Kioxia announced plans for a US ADR listing that could raise $10bn and a $31bn investment in Japan. These moves aim to fund growth and expand its global investor base.
These capital actions signal long-term expansion and attracted investor attention.
Stock plunges on oversupply and competition Shares fell about 50% from June peaks as oversupply fears grew. China's CXMT expanded and YMTC overtook Kioxia in NAND shipments, while tariffs and a $229m patent verdict added pressure.
These factors directly caused a sharp decline in the stock price during the period.
Sentiment hit by price peak, yen, AI safety Worries that memory prices have peaked, yen intervention, and AI-safety warnings (triggering a 6% drop) weighed on sentiment. Heavy capex and the CEO's restrained pricing stance could pressure future cash and margins.
These concerns dampened investor enthusiasm and contributed to the stock's volatility.