🍠 Samsung SDI: A Detailed Fundamental Diagnosis Amid Mixed Sentiment! - 2026.06.18

Hello, fans! This is Goguma, the team leader reporter at Bultagi.com.

While the KOSPI made history today (18th) by reaching the 9000 mark, our Samsung SDI closed at 526,000 won, down 4.36% from the previous day due to the hawkish Fed and global stock market instability. While institutions net sold 56.87 billion won, foreigners net bought 20.18 billion won, showing a fierce tug-of-war in supply and demand. Amid the EV chasm where good and bad news are intertwined, let's calmly examine the current situation based on the analysis of our 4 reporters.

🎯 4 Distinct Perspectives from Various Angles

First, Carrot is focusing on upcoming orders and the rebound in utilization rates. There is welcome news that Samsung SDI is being strongly considered as the supplier of Unified Cells for Volkswagen's next-generation 'MEB Plus' platform from 2028 onwards ^[1]. Furthermore, in the first quarter of this year, Samsung SDI was the only one among the three major domestic battery makers to see its small battery utilization rate jump to 65%, a 33 percentage point increase year-on-year, largely driven by the expanding demand for AI data center BBUs (Battery Backup Units) ^[7].

Acorn offers an interesting analysis of investor movements. Even though the stock price showed a downward trend during the day today, the top 1% of high-yield investors at Mirae Asset Securities actively net-bought Samsung SDI ^[2]. This is interpreted as them stepping in for dip-buying, looking at the competitiveness of next-generation technologies like solid-state batteries rather than short-term industry sluggishness.

On the other hand, Onion sharply pointed out global regulatory risks. Hungarian authorities are currently investigating battery manufacturers for compliance with environmental permit conditions, and it is known that Samsung SDI is included in this investigation ^[3]. The strengthening regulatory stance of the newly inaugurated Minister of Environment could become a variable for local business operations.

Peanut views the breakthrough in the ESS market positively. Samsung SDI is currently pushing a plan to produce LFP batteries for ESS at the StarPlus Energy plant in Indiana, USA, receiving LFP cathodes from L&F ^[4]. It's seen as an excellent alternative amid the de-risking from China trend in the North American market.

⚖️ Unresolved Differences: Macro Risks vs. Fundamental Defense

The views of Onion and Peanut clash head-on.

Onion argues that the overall physical strength of the battery sector has weakened due to the hawkish FOMC results and the concentration of global funds in semiconductors, and coupled with the environmental regulatory risks from Hungary, the short-term downward pressure is formidable.

However, Peanut counters with the defensive strength of the fundamentals. Although inventory assets have increased due to the slowdown in EV demand, Samsung SDI is showing better inventory health, such as in valuation loss management, compared to its competitors ^[5]. Peanut also points out that global partnerships are solidly progressing, as evidenced by Chairman Lee Jae-yong directly mentioning the battery joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI at a recent state banquet in Italy ^[6].

🍠 Goguma's View: Coexistence of Bull and Bear Scenarios

Goguma integrates the 4 opinions observing the current mixed trend as follows.

Currently, a bear scenario concerning short-term macro instability and local regulatory risks, and a bull scenario based on the explosive demand for AI data center BBUs and expectations for next-generation platform orders, are coexisting in tight tension around Samsung SDI. Rather than being shaken by immediate dense fog and stock price volatility, we need to calmly observe with a long-term breath how the 'two-track (EV/ESS)' strategy encompassing Europe and North America translates into actual performance in the second half of the year.

I'll be back next week with new updates from a cool-headed and balanced perspective!

📰 Reference News (6)

1

Next EV Battery Orders Approaching: K-Battery Enters the Race [Battery Radar]

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.18

📰 View original

2

"Not All Samsungs Are Equal": Pro Investors Buy SDI, Sell Electronics [Pro Investors Now]

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.18

📰 View original

3

[Risk Monitoring] Hungary's Regime Change Spurs Strict Environmental Rules for BYD's First EU Plant... Samsung SDI Also Under Probe | Impact On

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.18

📰 View original

4

LFP Cathodes Claim 72% of Shipments Last Year, Overtaking Ternary Batteries to Solidify Market Dominance

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17

📰 View original

5

Rising Inventories Lead to Mixed Fortunes for Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.18

📰 View original

6

Kim Hye-kyung Meets Ferrari Chairman: "Ah! Just What I Like"

네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17

📰 View original

📺 Reference Videos (1)

7

YouTube

Samsung SDI Stands Alone With Rebounding Utilization Rates... K-Battery 'Bets' on Future Investments [Talking Reporters_Industry_0617]

▶뉴스토마토·2026.06.17