SK Hynix

SK hynix has begun shipping mobile DRAM featuring industry-first High-K EMC, significantly improving thermal management. This innovation boosts thermal conductivity by 3.5x and reduces thermal resistance by 47%, mitigating heat issues in on-device AI applications, where rising data transfer rates generate considerable heat. The breakthrough is achieved by incorporating Alumina into Silica-based EMC. SK hynix aims to lead in next-generation mobile DRAM through continued material innovation, enhancing performance and extending device lifespan.

In Q2 2025, SK Hynix surpassed Samsung as the leading memory manufacturer, reporting ₩21.8 trillion in sales versus Samsung’s ₩21.2 trillion. This shift is driven by high demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) fueled by the AI boom. SK Hynix benefited from its HBM partnership with Nvidia, while Samsung’s HBM shipment share declined. Samsung anticipates potential price declines for its HBM3E but expects rising DRAM prices to offset the impact. Both SK Hynix and Micron are increasing HBM3E production, intensifying market competition.

SK Hynix reported a record-breaking Q2 2025, driven by high demand for its memory solutions, especially HBM. Revenue surged 35% YoY to ₩22.232 trillion, with operating profit up 68% to ₩9.2129 trillion. This performance was attributed to strong DRAM and NAND flash memory shipments, particularly advanced HBM3E products benefiting from the AI boom. SK Hynix anticipates continued growth in H2 2025, focusing on server modules, high-capacity SSDs, and 321-layer NAND flash technology to solidify its market leadership.

In 2018, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang proposed a collaboration with Samsung encompassing HBM, advanced process node development, and CUDA advancement. Reportedly rejected due to Samsung’s internal challenges, this decision allowed Nvidia to partner with SK Hynix for HBM, a lucrative alliance that saw SK Hynix’s share price surge. Meanwhile, Samsung now lags in HBM production and the AI chip foundry market, dominated by TSMC for Nvidia’s chips. Samsung is now trying to catch up, aiming for HBM4 contracts.

SK Hynix surpassed Samsung Electronics in operating profit in 2024, achieving 21.33 trillion won, driven by a strong performance in the memory chip market. South Korea’s 1,000 major listed companies also saw record profits, with a 92.7% increase from 2023. While Samsung had significantly higher revenue, SK Hynix’s operating profit margin was much higher. The CXO Institute predicts SK Hynix to maintain its lead in 2025.

SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung to become the world’s largest DRAM revenue generator in Q1 2025, fueled by high bandwidth memory (HBM) demand. A report from Omdia shows SK Hynix generated $9.718 billion in revenue, securing a 36% market share and dethroning Samsung, which held the top spot since 1992. Although a slight decrease from Q4 2024, SK Hynix’s performance highlights the shifting dynamics in the DRAM market.