SK Hynix Joins $1 Trillion Club on AI-Fueled Semiconductor Demand

The Rise of SK Hynix

South Korea's SK Hynix has entered the exclusive ranks of companies worth at least $1 trillion, propelled by explosive demand for semiconductors used in AI.

AI-Driven Growth

SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker, hit the milestone this week as investors rushed to capitalise on record-shattering revenues generated by the AI boom.

Market Performance

• SK Hynix's share price has skyrocketed 240 percent since the start of the year, and more than 80 percent this month alone.
• The surge mirrors a broader AI-driven rally in South Korea's stock market, which has seen the benchmark KOSPI index double in value so far in 2026.

Financial Highlights

• SK Hynix's market capitalisation stood at 1.66 quadrillion won ($1.10 trillion) on Friday, after its shares finished nearly 2 percent higher.
• The South Korean chipmaker's operating profit surged fivefold year-on-year in the first three months of this year, topping 37.6 trillion won ($24.9bn).
• Revenue came to 52.6 trillion won ($34.8bn), up threefold on a yearly basis.

Global Context

Only 17 companies have reached a market valuation of at least $1 trillion, all but five of which are based in the United States. SK Hynix is one of just four non-US companies to achieve this milestone, along with Samsung Electronics, Taiwan's TSMC, and Saudi Arabia's Saudi Aramco.