Overview

• SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chip maker, has reported a surprise profit of 346 billion won ($259.4 million) for the October-December period, marking its first operating profit since the third quarter of 2022.
• Strong demand for high-end memory chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, particularly from AI-chip leader Nvidia, has driven the company's return to profitability.
• Sales of the company's flagship products, DDR5 and HBM3, increased more than four and five times respectively last year.
• Despite the positive Q4 results, SK Hynix still recorded a full-year loss of 9.1 trillion won due to a year-long industry downturn.
• Looking ahead, SK Hynix aims to 'grow into a total AI memory provider' in 2024, with plans to commence mass production of HBM3E and continue development of its successor, HBM4.