SK Hynix announced a 40 trillion won ($29 billion) share buyback and lifted its shareholder-return target to more than 50% of free cash flow. The Nvidia supplier is seeking to reassure investors as enthusiasm for AI-hardware spending fades, with its shares about 50% below their all-time high after another 10% drop on Wednesday.
Why it matters
The move puts shareholder returns at the center of a selloff tied to the AI hardware trade. South Korea's benchmark Kospi fell 5.8%, showing that pressure extends beyond SK Hynix and into the country's broader equity market.
Market impact
The buyback and higher return target are a direct response to the share-price damage, but SK Hynix remains far below its record. Bitcoin held above $64,000 during the equity selloff, creating a sharp contrast between relative crypto resilience and the risk-off move in AI-linked stocks.
Frequently asked questions
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How large is SK Hynix's announced share buyback?
The buyback is worth 40 trillion won, or about $29 billion.
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What shareholder-return target did SK Hynix raise?
It raised the target to more than 50% of free cash flow.
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Why is SK Hynix trying to reassure investors?
The company is responding to fading enthusiasm for AI-hardware spending, which has pressured its shares.
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How far are SK Hynix shares below their all-time high?
The shares remain about 50% below their all-time high after another 10% drop on Wednesday.
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How did Bitcoin compare with South Korea's equity market?
Bitcoin held above $64,000 while the Kospi fell 5.8%, showing relative resilience during the equity selloff.
CoinDesk