Ai-Driven Surge in Memory and Storage Stocks: Micron, Western Digital, SK Hynix, Kioxia (2026)

AI-driven data center expansion is creating a global shortage of memory and storage, lifting producers as prices and demand outpace supply. Micron (MU) and Western Digital (WDC) reported 49% and 51% revenue growth in 2025, respectively, as hyperscalers and GPU makers like Nvidia (NVDA), AMD, and Broadcom drive compute intensity. Micron suspended its consumer memory brand Crucial to focus on AI enterprise; it is up 363% YOY. Western Digital shares rose 490% in 2025. Sandisk (SDNK), spun off from Western Digital in late February 2025, climbed 1,833% since then. SK Hynix (000660.KS) gained 375%, and Kioxia (285A.T) surged 1,062%. With construction of new fabs and supply catching up, earnings could moderate, but the timing remains uncertain.