# Samsung Overtakes SK hynix in Q3 HBM Revenue on Export Surge *AllianceBernstein estimates Samsung posted $8.7 billion in quarterly AI memory sales against $7.6 billion for SK hynix, ending its rival's uninterrupted lead as advanced packaging lines expand.* **Published:** October 23, 2026 **By:** Ji-woo Han **Section:** Semiconductors & AI Hardware — South Korea **Format:** Why It Matters **Confidence:** high **Source:** https://eastasiabrief.com/semiconductors/samsung-overtakes-sk-hynix-q3-hbm-revenue-export-surge-877 **Publisher:** East Asia Brief (https://eastasiabrief.com/) --- ## What to know - Bernstein estimates Samsung HBM sales reached $8.7 billion in Q3 2026 - SK hynix booked an estimated $7.6 billion as market share shifted - Both companies report confirmed Q3 financials on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 ![An automated robotic arm stacks memory chips on a cleanroom assembly line as technicians in protective suits work in the background. (AI-generated image)](https://eastasiabrief.com/media/2026-10-22-5ff6c7db2017.webp) *An automated robotic arm stacks memory chips on a cleanroom assembly line as technicians in protective suits work in the background. (AI-generated image)* Samsung Electronics overtook SK hynix in quarterly high-bandwidth memory revenue for the first time in the current AI cycle, according to an AllianceBernstein analysis published on Oct. 22, 2026. The investment bank estimated Samsung recorded $8.7 billion in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) revenue for the third quarter, a 33% increase from the prior three months. That figure exceeded the $7.6 billion generated by SK hynix over the same period. *The rest of this briefing is for members. Creating an account is free. [Continue reading](https://eastasiabrief.com/semiconductors/samsung-overtakes-sk-hynix-q3-hbm-revenue-export-surge-877).* --- Cite as: East Asia Brief, "Samsung Overtakes SK hynix in Q3 HBM Revenue on Export Surge," October 23, 2026. https://eastasiabrief.com/semiconductors/samsung-overtakes-sk-hynix-q3-hbm-revenue-export-surge-877