SK Hynix Raises $26.5 Billion in 178 Million Nasdaq ADRs as AI Memory Demand Surges
Updated
Updated · The Motley Fool · Jul 16
SK Hynix Raises $26.5 Billion in 178 Million Nasdaq ADRs as AI Memory Demand Surges
3 articles · Updated · The Motley Fool · Jul 16
Summary
$26.5 billion came from SK Hynix's Nasdaq listing of 178 million ADRs under ticker SKHY, giving U.S. investors broader access to the South Korean memory-chip maker.
AI-driven demand for DRAM and NAND underpinned the move, with Wall Street expecting tight supply to keep memory prices rising through 2027 and possibly 2028.
First-quarter 2026 results showed that strength: revenue tripled year over year and operating profit jumped more than 400%, while SK Hynix held 29% of global DRAM and 18% of NAND.
The rally has been dramatic—SK Hynix shares are up more than 1,418% in five years, turning a $5,000 investment into about $75,900 and lifting the stock to more than 25% of South Korea's benchmark index.
The outlook still hinges on the AI trade and memory pricing, leaving investors exposed if supply catches up or AI spending slows.