KB Securities raised its 2026 operating profit estimate as AI infrastructure spending accelerates and memory shortages persist, while SK Hynix also reported record Q1 2026 profit and outlined a potential Nasdaq listing.
SK Hynix is seen benefiting from accelerating AI infrastructure spending and a memory chip shortage that KB Securities analysts including Jeff Kim expect to last through the end of 2028. KB forecasts global AI investment will reach $800 billion in 2026, $1.1 trillion in 2027 and $1.5 trillion in 2028, and raised its 2026 operating profit estimate for the company by 3.6% to KRW 290 trillion. Separately, SK Hynix reported record Q1 2026 profit of $26 billion and said it is preparing a potential Nasdaq listing that could raise $29.4 billion, according to the newer report. Together, the reports point to strong AI-driven demand, tight memory supply and potentially greater access to capital for the chipmaker, though the listing remains prospective.