SK Hynix IncSK Hynix is slowing HBM4 expansion to redirect capacity to conventional DRAM for higher margins.
Shares of NXP Semiconductors and Universal Display fell sharply in afternoon trading after a report that South Korea's SK Hynix is slowing its high-bandwidth memory expansion rattled the AI-chip complex. NXP Semiconductors dropped 8.1% and Universal Display declined 6.2%, as the broader memory sector took the brunt of the selloff with Micron falling 11% while logic-heavy Nvidia slipped only about 3.6%. Analysts noted that SK Hynix's move to slow its HBM4 ramp is a margin-driven decision to redirect capacity into conventional DRAM, where shortages have pushed operating margins more than 15 points above HBM's, rather than a signal of cooling AI demand. The selloff was amplified by profit-taking after a parabolic run in memory stocks and a hawkish shift in rate expectations, with traders pricing 50 basis points of Fed hikes by December under new Chair Kevin Warsh. Wedbush characterized the drop as a buying opportunity, citing intact enterprise demand.
SK Hynix IncSK Hynix is slowing HBM4 expansion to redirect capacity to conventional DRAM for higher margins.
Micron Technology IncSK Hynix slowing HBM expansion triggered broad AI-chip selloff; Micron fell 11% as memory sector took brunt.
NVIDIA CorporationNvidia slipped 3.6% amid AI-chip selloff, but less impacted as logic-heavy stock.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
NXP Semiconductors NVNXP Semiconductors dropped 8.1% in the AI-chip selloff, despite not being a memory stock.
Universal DisplayUniversal Display fell 6.2% in the AI-chip selloff, though not directly memory-related.