SK Hynix Surpasses Samsung with 340% Rally Driven by AI HBM Demand
NVDA•SK Hynix overtook Samsung Electronics as South Korea’s most valuable listed company after its shares rallied over 340% this year to lift its market capitalization to 2,082.5 trillion won. The chipmaker’s dominance in high-bandwidth memory modules for AI systems powering Nvidia and Google underpinned its turnaround from a 2003 low of 135 won per share to a record 23.5 trillion won operating profit in 2024.
1. Market Value Leap
SK Hynix’s shares jumped 5.7% on Monday to push its market capitalization to 2,082.5 trillion won, just above Samsung Electronics’ 2,081.3 trillion won valuation. This marks the first time since 2000 that Samsung has ceded its position as South Korea’s most valuable listed company.
2. AI-Driven Memory Dominance
The company’s focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) modules for AI workloads has made it a critical supplier to Nvidia, Google and other hyperscalers, driving a more than 340% share rally in 2026. HBM chips have shifted from commodity status to essential infrastructure components for advanced models like ChatGPT.
3. Corporate Turnaround History
After nearly collapsing under debt in the early 2000s and trading as low as 135 won per share in 2003, SK Hynix returned to profitability with a record 23.5 trillion won operating profit in 2024. Investments in AI-focused manufacturing and strategic partnerships have fueled its rapid ascent.
