SK Hynix Set To Lose Edge Versus Micron and Samsung As US Embargo Weighs, Analyst Says

  • SK Hynix Inc (OTC:HXSCL) called the U.S. semiconductor embargo on China "painful" as it slashed its 2023 capital expenditure, the Financial Times reported.
  • The Chinese chipmaker cut its Capex guidance by more than 50% after reporting a 60% drop in third-quarter operating profit due to higher inflation and sluggish global growth, missing market expectations.
  • Due to the restrictions, SK Hynix expected difficulties upgrading its plant in Wuxi, China
  • The Wuxi plant accounts for nearly half of SK Hynix's production of D-Ram chips used in computers, smartphones, and servers. 
  • The chipmaker followed rivals, including U.S.-based Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ: MU) and Japan's Kioxia Holdings, cutting production after memory chip prices slid about 20% in Q3.
  • SK Hynix would gradually reduce output, starting with lower-margin products, as the industry confronted "an unprecedented deterioration in market conditions."
  • SK Hynix won a one-year exemption from the US restrictions.
  • SK Hynix warned against its struggle to bring the most cutting-edge technology into China, which could increase production costs.
  • Analysts expect the Wuxi factory's competitiveness against Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd (OTC:SSNLF) and Micron Technology to significantly weaken in two to three years if SK Hynix cannot ship EUV machines to China.
  • Chinese chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp ousted American employees in core tech positions following the U.S. embargo on China
  • YMTC's longstanding CEO Simon Yang, a U.S. passport holder, stepped down ahead of the sanctions reportedly triggered by Washington's increasing pressure on the company. 
  • Yang transitioned from the Chief role in late September to Deputy Chair. His current position in the company remained undecided.
  • Price Action: MU shares traded higher by 0.46% at $56.12 on the last check Wednesday.
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