SK Hynix Financial Report: Q2 Operating Profit of 6.05 trillion KRW Below Market Expectations, Projected Capex to Reach 4 trillion KRW in 2026

July 29th, SK Hynix's financial report revealed that HBM4 mass production and shipments have been achieved in the second quarter, with production and supply set to expand in the second half of the year; HBM4E samples have been delivered in the first half of the year, utilizing the optimal process technology. The company emphasized that it will continue to solidify its leading position in HBM technology with high quality, high yield, stable supply, cost competitiveness, and top performance. It has also signed long-term chip supply agreements with 10 customers to enhance mid- to long-term demand visibility, mitigate price fluctuations, and is evaluating additional shareholder return measures to enhance the scale and sustainability of returns. Capital expenditure for 2026 is expected to reach the high end of the 4 trillion Korean won range.

In the third quarter, DRAM shipment volume is expected to increase by approximately 10% compared to the previous quarter, while NAND shipment volume growth is at a low single-digit percentage level. With easing supply constraints and the expansion of AI applications, the growth momentum in smartphones and PCs will gradually recover, but due to memory supply challenges, related sales will undergo temporary adjustments. The enhancement of AI models and software efficiency will increase accessibility and drive infrastructure demand. The 2026 DRAM market demand is projected to grow in the range of 20%-30% year-on-year, while NAND is expected to grow in the range of 10%-20% year-on-year.