SK Hynix's market capitalization fell to 87.1% of Samsung Electronics' as of July 27, one month after briefly surpassing its rival on the KOSPI. SK Hynix declined 37.7% from its June 25 peak while Samsung Electronics dropped 29.1% over the same period, reflecting greater sensitivity to the global semiconductor correction. The divergence occurred as Korean stocks entered a broader adjustment phase, with the KOSPI index falling 24.4% during the period.
SK Hynix Falls 37.7% From Peak Versus Samsung Electronics' 29.1%
According to Korea Exchange data on July 27, SK Hynix's market capitalization stood at 1,294.2675 trillion won compared to Samsung Electronics' 1,484.9548 trillion won. The ratio between the two companies' market caps was 100.7% on June 22, retreated to the 90% level in early July, and dropped to 85.6% on July 22. SK Hynix maintained the KOSPI's number one market cap position for only two days (June 22-23).
From their respective all-time highs on June 25 through July 27, Samsung Electronics shares fell 29.1% while SK Hynix dropped 37.7%. During the same period, the KOSPI index declined 24.4%. Financial industry analysts note that SK Hynix, with 100% of revenue from semiconductors, reacts more sensitively to semiconductor industry outlook changes compared to Samsung Electronics, where semiconductors represented 61% of first-quarter revenue.
Philadelphia Semiconductor Index Correlation Shows 19% Decline
The SK Hynix-to-Samsung Electronics market cap ratio demonstrates high correlation with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell approximately 19% from its June 22 closing peak through July 24. On July 27, Samsung Electronics closed up 1.8% at 254,000 won while SK Hynix rose 3.24% to 1,816,000 won.
Earnings Reports Scheduled for July 29-31
SK Hynix will announce second-quarter results on July 29, and Samsung Electronics will hold a conference call on its second-quarter performance on July 30. Meta and Microsoft report earnings on July 30 (Korea time), followed by Amazon and Apple on July 31. Lee Kyung-min, researcher at Daishin Securities, stated: "Comments on AI infrastructure investment expansion and customer demand through Big Tech earnings conference calls will be the biggest watershed for share price trends."
Kim Jae-seung, researcher at Hyundai Motor Securities, emphasized: "We need to watch whether earnings announcements from companies investing in AI infrastructure can reduce concerns about AI monetization and investment sustainability, recover share prices, and rebound semiconductor investment sentiment."
Deposit Requirement Increase Takes Effect July 31
Starting July 31, the basic deposit requirement for single-stock products will increase from 10 million won (cash or substitute securities) to 30 million won (cash only). Among 16 single-stock products listed on the domestic stock market, "KODEX SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage," which tracks SK Hynix's daily return at 2x, has the largest net assets at 3.4033 trillion won — approximately 1.7 times larger than the second-ranked "KODEX Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage" (2.0404 trillion won).
FAQ
What is SK Hynix's current market cap compared to Samsung Electronics?
As of July 27, SK Hynix's market capitalization is 1,294.2675 trillion won, which is 87.1% of Samsung Electronics' 1,484.9548 trillion won.
How long did SK Hynix hold the KOSPI number one market cap position?
SK Hynix maintained the KOSPI's largest market capitalization for only two days, from June 22 to June 23.
When are SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics reporting second-quarter earnings?
SK Hynix will announce second-quarter results on July 29, and Samsung Electronics will hold a conference call on second-quarter performance on July 30.
