SK Hynix Shares Hit Record High as AI Memory Demand Fuels Semiconductor Rally

Shares of South Korean memory chip giant SK Hynix surged to a fresh all-time high on Thursday, reflecting growing investor optimism around booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory products and a strengthening global semiconductor cycle. The rally followed robust fourth-quarter profit guidance from industry rival Samsung Electronics, which reinforced confidence in the memory chip market’s recovery.

Seoul-listed SK Hynix shares climbed more than 5% during trading, reaching a record high of 788,000 won. The sharp rise highlights the market’s positive outlook on companies positioned to benefit from soaring AI-related demand, particularly those supplying advanced memory solutions. SK Hynix is a leading producer of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used in AI servers, data centers, and high-performance computing applications.

Earlier on Thursday, Samsung Electronics signaled a near tripling of operating profit in its semiconductor division for the fourth quarter. The strong forecast was driven by rapidly rising memory chip prices, improved demand for DRAM products, and tighter supply conditions across key memory segments. Samsung’s results exceeded market expectations and underscored a broader industry upswing, lifting sentiment across major memory chip makers.

Investors view Samsung’s upbeat outlook as confirmation that the prolonged downturn in the semiconductor sector has ended, with memory prices now rebounding on the back of structural demand growth. The acceleration of AI adoption, cloud computing expansion, and increased spending on advanced chips have all contributed to a favorable environment for memory suppliers.

SK Hynix appears particularly well-positioned in this cycle due to its focus on premium HBM products, which command higher margins and are in strong demand from global AI leaders. As chip prices remain elevated and AI investment continues to rise, analysts expect SK Hynix to benefit from sustained earnings growth and improved profitability.

The stock’s record-breaking performance reflects growing confidence that AI-driven memory demand will remain a long-term growth driver for South Korea’s semiconductor heavyweights, further strengthening their role in the global chip supply chain.