SK Hynix posts big jump in 1Q net profit

SEOUL: South Korea’s SK Hynix, the world’s second- largest memory chip maker, yesterday announced a big jump in firstquarter net profit thanks to strong global demand.

Net profit surged 64 per cent year- on- year to 3.1 trillion won ( US$ 2.9 billion) in the three months to March, its second-best performance following the previous quarter’s 3.22 trillion won.

“Favourable prices were maintained in the first quarter even if it is a low season” for the industry, the company said in a statement.

Shipment of DRAM products fell five per cent from the previous quarter but their average price rose nine per cent from three months earlier.

Shipment of NAND flash products fell 10 per cent on- quarter, with prices edging down one per cent.

The company said global demand for DRAM chips was likely to remain strong throughout this year, with internet data centres expanding facilities worldwide.

“Despite the industry’s efforts to introduce new production methods and increase shipments, supply will remain insufficient,” it said.

SK Hynix will complete a new factory in Cheongju in South Korea and expand its Chinese lines to cope with the rising demand.

Operating profit jumped 77 per cent year- on- year to 4.36 trillion won, while sales rose 39 per cent to 8.72 trillion won. — AFP