SK Hynix sold out for 2026 as AI demand fuels record profits

Seoul: South Korea’s SK Hynix reported record third-quarter revenue and profit, driven by booming demand for its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in artificial intelligence servers.

The chipmaker said its 2026 supply is already sold out, reflecting soaring demand from AI chip producers, including Nvidia, one of its largest clients.

Revenue for the quarter rose 39% year on year to 24.45 trillion won ($17.13 billion), while operating profit jumped 62% to 11.38 trillion won, surpassing 10 trillion won for the first time. On a quarterly basis, revenue grew 10% and profit 24%.

SK Hynix shares surged more than 5% in Seoul following the results, extending the stock’s 210% rally this year.

The company said increased investment in AI infrastructure has boosted sales of high-value memory products. Its next-generation HBM4 chips, the sixth generation of HBM technology, will begin shipping this quarter.

SK Hynix currently holds a 64% global market share in HBM chips and a 38% share in DRAM, according to Counterpoint Research. It remains the main supplier to Nvidia, though rivals Samsung and Micron are racing to close the gap.

“The memory market has entered a new paradigm with the growth of AI,” said SK Hynix CFO Kim Woohyun. “We will continue to strengthen our leadership through market-leading products and technological innovation.”

Analysts expect the global HBM market to reach $43 billion by 2027, with SK Hynix maintaining around 60% market share due to its advanced manufacturing edge.