South Korea’s SK Hynix has confirmed that it is evaluating the possibility of a US stock market listing, a move that would give American investors direct exposure to one of the world’s most important suppliers of high-bandwidth memory used in artificial intelligence hardware.
The company disclosed the development in a regulatory filing on Wednesday, noting that it is “reviewing various measures to enhance corporate value, including a US stock market listing utilizing treasury shares,” while emphasizing that no final decision has been reached.
Shares of SK Hynix have soared nearly 230% this year on the Korea Exchange, propelled by global demand for advanced memory chips that underpin AI data centers and high-performance computing infrastructure.
Potential ADR listing and market response
The Korea Exchange had requested clarification from SK Hynix after a Korea Economic Daily report stated that the company had received proposals to list around 2.4% of its shares in the US in the form of American depositary receipts (ADRs).
ADRs, issued by US banks, represent ownership in foreign companies and allow American investors to trade overseas stocks more easily.
Although ADRs typically offer lower liquidity compared with a full US listing—a factor that can deter some institutional investors—they rely on existing shares rather than issuing new equity, preserving value for current shareholders.
SK Hynix currently holds treasury shares equivalent to roughly 2.4% of its issued stock, according to its investor relations website.
A listing utilizing treasury shares would allow the company to tap into the deep US capital markets without diluting existing investors.
Following confirmation that the company was reviewing the possibility of a US listing, SK Hynix shares gained 4% on Wednesday.
However, the rally moderated on Thursday, with the stock trading more than 2% lower.
Strengthening position in high-bandwidth memory
The memory chipmaker has been at the center of the AI infrastructure boom, cementing its lead in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips that are used in Nvidia’s AI processors.
This leadership position has been a key driver of investor interest and valuation expansion.
Analysts have long pointed to the company’s HBM capacity as a strategic advantage at a time when global demand for AI accelerators continues to rise.
A potential US listing could also help narrow the valuation gap between SK Hynix and its US-listed competitor Micron Technology, as well as Samsung Electronics, which is traded in Seoul.
Access to US capital markets may offer broader visibility among North American investors and institutional funds that benchmark against US semiconductor peers.
Expanding global footprint amid policy support
SK Hynix has been committing substantial capital domestically and overseas to expand its manufacturing footprint.
The company has pledged nearly $4 billion to develop an advanced packaging facility in Indiana, supporting Washington’s effort to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains.
At the same time, the company stands to benefit from increasing policy support at home.
South Korea is considering a 4.5 trillion won ($3.06 billion) foundry project funded by both state and private capital to bolster its local chip manufacturing base amid rising demand for AI chips, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
President Lee Jae Myung met with executives from major chipmakers, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, to discuss strategies to preserve the country’s leadership in memory technology and reinforce the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
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