SK하이닉스, AI 확장 위해 750억 달러 순현금 목표 설정 - kmjournal.net

SK hynix is making a bold financial move as it doubles down on the AI semiconductor race. The company’s CEO, Kwak Noh-Jung, announced a long-term plan to secure more than 100 trillion won in net cash, signaling a major shift toward building financial strength to support aggressive investment in AI-driven technologies. Speaking at the company’s 78th annual general meeting in Icheon on March 25, Kwak made it clear that while SK hynix has improved its financial position in recent years, it still needs significantly more firepower to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Building a Financial War Chest for the AI Era As of the end of last year, SK hynix held around 12.7 trillion won in net cash. The new target represents a nearly eightfold increase, reflecting the scale of investment required to keep up with surging demand for advanced memory chips. Kwak framed the move as more than just balance sheet management. He described it as a necessary step to ensure the company can continue making strategic investments regardless of market volatility. The backdrop is clear. AI infrastructure spending is accelerating worldwide, and memory chips such as HBM are becoming critical components in high-performance computing. SK hynix wants to make sure it has the financial stability to move quickly when opportunities arise. U.S. Listing Push Gains Momentum The company is also moving forward with plans to list American Depositary Receipts in the United States. SK hynix recently submitted a confidential filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is aiming for a listing later this year. While details such as deal size remain undisclosed, the company says the goal is to enhance shareholder value and broaden its global investor base. A U.S. listing could also serve as a catalyst for revaluation, as global investors gain easier access to one of the key players in the AI memory supply chain. No Stock Split for Now Despite rising share prices and investor interest, SK hynix is taking a cautious stance on stock splits. Kwak said there are no immediate plans, emphasizing that such decisions require a careful look at market conditions, investor composition, and long-term strategy. The company signaled it will continue reviewing shareholder-friendly policies, but without rushing into changes that could have broader implications. HBM Roadmap Stays on Track On the technology front, SK hynix reaffirmed its commitment to its HBM roadmap. The company will continue to focus on HBM3E this year while gradually increasing shipments of HBM4 in the second half. It also plans to introduce samples of next-generation HBM4E within the year, aiming to maintain its lead in high-bandwidth memory technology. Beyond HBM, SK hynix is working closely with customers to optimize its broader product mix, including DDR5 and other memory solutions. New AI Entity and Board Reshuffle To strengthen its position in the global AI market, SK hynix plans to establish a new U.S.-based entity tentatively called AI Co. The unit will focus on identifying new business opportunities and acquiring key capabilities in AI. At the same time, the company approved several board appointments to enhance governance and technical expertise. These include the addition of Cha Sun-Yong, head of the Future Technology Research Institute, as an internal director, along with former Financial Services Commission chairman Ko Seung-Beom as an outside director. Kim Jung-Kyu, CEO of SK Square, also joined as a non-executive director, reinforcing coordination with the group’s holding structure. A Clear Signal to the Market SK hynix’s latest moves point to a company preparing for a long game in AI semiconductors. With a massive cash target, a U.S. listing in progress, and a firm grip on next-generation memory technology, the company is positioning itself as a central player in the global AI ecosystem. The message is straightforward. Financial strength is no longer just a safety net. It is becoming a core competitive asset in the AI era. by Song-a Choiㅣ[email protected]