SK Hynix reports third-quarter results on Wednesday, and expectations are very high. Analysts project record earnings, driven by booming demand for artificial intelligence memory chips.

Forecast Highlights
• Net profit: 8.491 trillion won ($5.94 billion), up 48% from a year ago
• Revenue: 24.523 trillion won
• Operating profit: 11.270 trillion won, potentially exceeding 10 trillion won for the first time

The share price slipped 3.4% to 517,000 won on Tuesday as investors took profits after a huge rally. The stock has nearly tripled in 2025 so far.

Key Themes to Watch

Record AI-Driven Earnings
Investors expect confirmation that strong demand for Nvidia-linked high-bandwidth memory (HBM) continues to drive performance. If results hit the forecasts, SK Hynix could set a new net profit record, surpassing its previous high in Q1.

HBM Leadership
Focus is on progress with HBM4, its next-generation AI memory. SK Hynix leads the market with 12-layer HBM3E, and said in September it is ready for HBM4 mass production while competitors are still sampling. Any update on major customer orders will matter.

Industry Outlook
Guidance will shape the market's view. Nomura analysts recently predicted an “unprecedented supercycle” in the memory market, powered by U.S. tech giants expanding AI infrastructure. They expect record profit margins for DRAM and NAND chips in 2026, with strong investment continuing into 2027-28.

Investors want confirmation that SK Hynix will remain the top supplier of premium AI memory as the global chip boom accelerates.