SK Hynix Books Domestic Buying While Washington's Licence Backlog Clouds Its US Plans

Institutional investors stepped in for SK Hynix today, absorbing a seventh straight session of net selling by foreign players, according to media reports. The stock gained 0.7% on the day. The rebound is not yet being treated as a confirmed turn in sentiment, the reports added.

The buying arrived against a backdrop of pressure on AI-infrastructure names. Fears that Washington could tighten regulation of artificial intelligence and data centres after the midterm elections weighed on the sector, and a broader selloff in US technology stocks on Wall Street added to the drag.

Long-Term Deals Cover Most of 2027–28 Output

On the operating side, SK Hynix said on 28 October that long-term agreements already cover more than 50% of its production capacity for 2027–2028. Management believes the squeeze in memory supply could persist until 2030.

Preliminary figures for the third quarter of 2026 showed revenue of 105 trillion won and operating profit of 83.3 trillion won. Net profit came in at 39.8 trillion won, according to the company. Alongside the results, SK Hynix disclosed that it has halted its review of a listing for Solidigm.

IBK Investment & Securities cut its price target on 29 October to 3.2 million won from 4 million won, while keeping its buy recommendation on the stock.

Dalian Licences Still Pending

Regulatory questions remain open. Reuters reported roughly a week ago that US authorities had not granted the export licences SK Hynix requested for US-made chipmaking equipment destined for its plant in Dalian, China. According to the report, the delay could also complicate Solidigm's proposed NAND fab in New York State. Solidigm said it is reviewing possible factory locations worldwide and has not settled on a specific route.

US Staffing Push Set for Early December

SK Hynix is also preparing to expand its US workforce and reorganise its American operations around 3 December, media reports say. The SK Group said the personnel and organisational steps are intended to deepen cooperation with major US customers, including Nvidia, and that preparations are under way. The group added that SK Hynix will appoint additional executives as part of the reshuffle.