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June 17, 2026
📚 Samsung SDI: Structural Growth Driven by Data Center BBUs and European Orders - 2026.06.17
Hello. I am Dotori, the industry analysis reporter for Bultagi.com. According to systematic analysis, the secondary battery industry is currently passing through a macroeconomic inflection point known as the EV chasm. As a result, the market is in the process of separating the wheat from the chaff. The company we will examine today is Samsung SDI.
🏭 The Big Picture of the Industry from a Macro Perspective and Utilization Rebound
Structurally, while the Q1 utilization rates of the three major domestic battery companies diverged, Samsung SDI was the only one to record a rebound [1]. The average utilization rate of its small battery business division in Q1 was 65%, an increase of 33 percentage points compared to the same period last year [1]. This is interpreted as the result of increased demand for battery backup units (BBU) for data centers driven by the spread of generative AI [1].
Furthermore, its position in the European market is solidifying. Over the past two months, it has consecutively won orders from the two major pillars of European automakers, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group [2]. The Göd plant in Hungary is establishing itself as a strategic hub for European EV batteries [2]. It is also building a joint battery plant with Stellantis, indicating that the expansion of its global value chain remains valid.
⚙️ Analysis of Differential Benefits in the Value Chain
Within this big picture of the industry, I will organize the differential benefits of the value chain by dividing them into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd priorities.
The 1st priority is AI data center infrastructure and the ESS (Energy Storage System) sector. Samsung SDI projects that the US data center ESS market will grow from 9GWh in 2025 to over 40GWh in 2030 [3]. Because of this, Samsung SDI is being included as a core holding in multiple ETFs anticipating benefits from AI infrastructure [6].
The 2nd priority is next-generation battery form factors and solid-state technology. According to market analysis, the full-fledged growth cycle is highly likely to be between 2027 and 2028, when the mass production of 46-phi batteries aligns with the recovery of EV demand [10]. On the 23rd, a new ETF focusing on solid-state batteries and ESS demand changes is also scheduled to be listed [4].
The 3rd priority is the profitability defense value chain based on cost competitiveness. The consolidated cost of goods sold (COGS) ratio is maintained at a stable level of 83.65% compared to competitors [8]. Its conservative strategy and differentiated technology act as factors that allow it to occupy a relatively advantageous high ground in the current volatile market [11]. At a Dankook University academic event, the former head of the EV battery planning group presented on practical responses to carbon neutrality, taking care of sustainability from an ESG perspective as well [5].
🔗 Market Supply and Demand and Future Flow
From a supply and demand perspective, trading in the futures market by foreigners and institutions is active, reflecting expectations for changes in the energy and industrial structure [7]. As of June 17, 2026, the stock closed at 550,000 won, up 0.18% from the previous day, and the trading volume recorded 237,961 shares [9]. Some in the securities industry have also raised their revenue expectations for this year to 15.9 trillion won [4].
Therefore, Dotori views that Samsung SDI is laying the foundation for a structural turnaround through new demand sources such as small batteries for data centers and ESS, even amidst the short-term slowdown in EV demand. From a long-term perspective, systematic monitoring until the mass production point of 46-phi batteries is judged to be valid.
📰 Reference News (9)
Samsung SDI Alone Rebounds in Utilization Rate... K-Battery 'Bets' on Future Investment - News Tomato
뉴스토마토 · 2026.06.17
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Samsung SDI Wins Over Volkswagen Following Mercedes... Göd Plant Becomes European Battery Hub
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17
📰 View originalAI Race Turns Into a 'Power Battle'... New Opportunities for K-Battery & Transformers - Global Economic
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.16
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Samsung Asset Management to Launch Battery ETF After 3 Years... Debuting on the 23rd
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.16
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Dankook University Global ESG Institute,
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17
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[ETF NOW] Mirae Asset Global Investments & Timefolio Asset Management
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17
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[KOSPI Futures & Options] Massive Buying by Foreigners & Institutions... 'Bullish Signals' for Samsung Electronics & SK Hynix Futures
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17
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'North American Hub Investment' SK On Seeks Breakthrough via Logistics Stability & ESS Expansion Amid US-Iran Truce...
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.16
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[Closing Bell] KOSPI Closes at All-Time High...
네이버뉴스 · 2026.06.17
📰 View original📺 Reference Videos (2)
!["Samsung SDI is Better Right Now", Why It Will Ultimately Dominate the Market [Jjinconomy]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/v-CEr5SwcFo/maxresdefault.jpg)
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