Semiconductor leader SK hynix has announced its most robust quarterly financial performance to date, with first-quarter operating profit rocketing by an astounding 405 percent to 37.6 trillion won (approximately $27.8 billion). This monumental surge was primarily fueled by the burgeoning global demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI memory chips, significantly boosting market prices and driving exceptional Q1 results.
In a recent regulatory filing on Thursday, the global memory chip manufacturer reported record sales reaching an unprecedented 52.6 trillion won during the January-March period. This marks SK hynix’s fourth consecutive quarter of record-breaking financial outcomes, a powerful growth streak that commenced in the second quarter of the previous year.
These impressive financial results considerably surpassed market expectations. Industry analysts’ consensus forecasts had projected revenues of 51.9 trillion won and operating profits of 36.4 trillion won, highlighting the company’s exceptional performance in the semiconductor sector.
For the first time in its history, SK hynix’s quarterly revenue exceeded the 50 trillion won threshold. Furthermore, the company’s operating margin nearly doubled quarter-on-quarter, soaring to an impressive 72 percent. This represents a substantial 14 percentage point increase from the 58 percent reported in the fourth quarter.
For comparative context, in the fourth quarter of 2025, SK hynix had reported revenues of 32.8 trillion won and an operating profit of 19.2 trillion won, underscoring the rapid growth experienced in the most recent quarter.
