(LEAD) SK hynix logs record profit in Q2 on AI chip supercycle - Yonhap News Agency

SK hynix reported record revenue and operating profit in Q2, driven by strong demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) and other memory products. The company's net profit surged 1,242.5% year-on-year to... Read original →

SK hynix's Q2 record performance underscores the pivotal role of memory chips in the AI chip supercycle. Surge in demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) directly fueled revenue and profit growth, highlighting memory’s centrality in AI accelerator supply chains. With NVIDIA as a key client, SK hynix has overtaken Samsung to claim the top spot in the global HBM market, reinforcing its strategic dominance. Technologically, HBM advancements are driving the entire memory stack toward higher bandwidth and lower power consumption, accelerating data center architecture upgrades. From a compliance standpoint, geopolitical tensions and supply chain fragmentation pose risks, especially in its ties with Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, China. Competitors like Samsung and Micron may ramp up HBM production to regain market share. Over the next 12–24 months, sustained AI adoption will likely maintain strong memory demand, and SK hynix’s ability to sustain technological leadership and production flexibility will be critical to its continued industry dominance.