SK Hynix reports record revenue and announces major chip plant investments

SK Hynix has reported record-breaking financial results for the second quarter of 2026, achieving a revenue of 79.3 trillion Won and an operating profit of 60.5 trillion Won. This represents an operating margin of 76%, driven significantly by demand for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators.

Despite these record figures, the company's stock has experienced volatility as investors weigh the long-term sustainability of the AI-driven memory boom against potential overcapacity. To maintain its leadership in the HBM market, SK Hynix is launching its largest investment offensive to date. The company has approved 54.3 trillion Won for two new facilities: a DRAM factory in the Yongin semiconductor cluster and a NAND factory in Cheongju, with construction milestones expected around February 2027.

Furthermore, the company has confirmed a capital expenditure (CapEx) target for 2026 of approximately 40 trillion Won, a nearly 59% increase compared to 2025. Amidst this heavy investment, market speculation remains high regarding potential shareholder returns and share buybacks.