Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea’s memory chip giants, posted combined operating profit of 150 trillion won, approximately $104 billion, in Q2 2026 alone. SK Hynix is on track to earn more in a single year than in the previous 27 years combined. Pressure is mounting from all sides: the United States is pushing for a profit-sharing model during trade negotiations, Samsung’s minority shareholder group ACT is campaigning for a $32 billion buyback, and SK Hynix has already formalized a 10% profit-sharing bonus on operating profit with no cap. SK Hynix earmarked 45 trillion won in capital expenditure for 2026, a 50% year-over-year increase, while the combined net cash position of both firms is projected to reach $263 billion by year-end.
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