SK hynix Posts Record 1Q26 Profit on Strong AI Memory Demand

SK hynix announced in a press release that it recorded 52.6 trillion won in revenue and 37.6 trillion won in operating profit for the first quarter of 2026. Net profit reached 40.3 trillion won, marking the company’s highest quarterly performance to date. Revenue surpassed 50 trillion won for the first time, with profitability nearly doubling from the previous quarter.

The company attributed the results to increased sales of high value memory products driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure. Products such as high bandwidth memory, high capacity server DRAM modules, and enterprise solid state drives contributed to the growth. Cash and cash equivalents rose to 54.3 trillion won, while interest bearing debt decreased to 19.3 trillion won, resulting in a net cash position of 35 trillion won.

SK hynix said it expects continued demand growth as AI applications move toward agentic models that perform inference across various environments. The company plans to expand production of LPDDR6 DRAM and the 192GB SOCAMM2 module, and to strengthen its NAND flash lineup with the 321 layer QLC cSSD PQC21. Collaboration with Solidigm will support competitiveness in AI data center and PC storage markets.

The company also stated that it will increase investment this year to expand its M15X facility, prepare infrastructure for the Yongin cluster, and secure key equipment such as extreme ultraviolet lithography machines. These investments aim to maintain stable supply and support long term demand growth in AI memory products.