- SK Hynix trades at a lower trailing P / E ratio of 9.7x compared with Micron's 21.3x, despite being the market leader in AI high-bandwidth memory.
- The valuation gap may reflect the "Korea discount," differing investor bases, and geopolitical considerations rather than operating performance alone.
- SK Hynix is working to narrow this perception through a record 40 trillion won share buyback and improving technical momentum.
- CNBC host Jim Cramer criticized the artificial intelligence data center supply chain's heavy reliance on South Korean chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung, arguing their share prices are driven by leveraged retail investors.
- Cramer's remarks followed SK Hynix's announcement of a 40 trillion won, or $29 billion, share buyback plan to restore market confidence amid recent volatility.
- The analyst also pointed to Micron Technology as a domestic benchmark while memory sector peers turn to share repurchases to ease investor concerns over AI demand.
- U.S. stock futures rose ahead of the Federal Reserve’s July FOMC meeting minutes, while Asian markets plummeted amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and President Donald Trump ruling out talks with Tehran.
- Keysight Technologies gained 3.06% on strong Q3 results, Mercury Systems dropped 10.76% after mixed earnings, and SK Hynix jumped 5.76% despite local share drops following a $29 billion treasury share buyback plan.
- Professor Jeremy Siegel maintained a bullish outlook on U.S. equities, driven by exceptional corporate earnings growth that offset softer economic data and moderate inflation concerns.
- South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix fell over 8% in Seoul trading amid a broader semiconductor selloff triggered by a sharp decline in U.S. memory-chip stocks.
- The market downturn was further pressured by rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions, higher Treasury yields, and investor skepticism over elevated AI chip valuations.
- Despite the recent slump, analysts maintain a Strong Buy rating on SK Hynix stock with a price target of $245.50.