Seoul, Jan 25, 2026, 01:12 KST — Market closed
- SK hynix ended Friday at 767,000 won, marking a 1.6% gain and hitting its highest level in 52 weeks.
- Memory prices are surging, lifting supplier sentiment but also sparking new worries over demand for phones and PCs.
- All eyes are on the Jan. 29 results for clues about pricing, supply, and spending.
SK hynix Inc (000660.KS) closed Friday at 767,000 won, gaining 12,000 won as Seoul markets wrapped up for the weekend. Trading volume hit around 3.5 million shares, with the closing price hitting its 52-week peak, according to FnGuide data. (Fnguide)
Memory chip prices are skyrocketing as U.S. tech giants ramp up AI infrastructure, tightening supply and pushing costs higher. Manufacturers are focusing on higher-margin data centre components like high-bandwidth memory (HBM), the stacked DRAM used in AI processors. Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron all report struggling to meet demand. Intel CFO David Zinsner warned the surge “could limit our revenue opportunity this year.” Emarketer analyst Jacob Bourne expects the hike “is certainly going to show up as higher prices for consumers,” while Tobey Gonnerman from semiconductor distributor Fusion Worldwide described “1,000% price inflation in some products.” Research firms IDC and Counterpoint predict global smartphone sales will drop at least 2% in 2026. IDC also forecasts a 4.9% decline in the PC market, while Counterpoint sees memory prices jumping 40%-50% in Q1. (Reuters)
SK hynix is focusing on the pricing tailwind rather than the weaker handset and PC demand headlines. The company produces DRAM and NAND flash memory, along with multi-chip packages and image sensors, per a Reuters company profile. (Reuters)
Heading into the week, higher prices could boost supplier margins, even as unit shipments show signs of strain down the line. It’s a messy picture, and investors are well aware of that.
Friday’s close puts the stock on edge, reacting more to mood than actual figures. Even a whisper that spot prices might have topped out—or that major buyers are balking at contract terms—can quickly sour sentiment.
The competitive landscape is razor-thin. If rivals start closing the supply gap, especially in HBM, it could shake up pricing power and disrupt market share expectations that have fueled the rally.
Yet the upside comes with a sharp catch. Should smartphone and PC manufacturers balk at the steep price hikes and cut back on production, memory orders could plunge suddenly, silencing any chatter about shortages.
South Korea’s market reopens Monday. Chip stocks look set to follow the latest global tech earnings and new talk around component supply. Traders will also be eyeing whether device makers continue raising prices or begin absorbing costs to maintain sales.
SK hynix will report its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 29. The company said a press release will drop before 9 a.m. Seoul time, followed by a conference call featuring English interpretation. This update stands as the next key catalyst for the stock. (Skhynix)
