[THE INVESTOR] SK hynix will post record-high earnings in the second quarter, said Kiwoom Securities on April 18, maintaining a “buy” recommendation and 120,000 won (US$112.76) target price. 

Its operating profit in the first quarter will come in at 4.4 trillion won and in the second quarter reach 4.8 trillion won, estimated analyst Park Yu-ak.

DRAM prices in the second quarter will rise 3-5 percent from the previous quarter as suppliers face delays in converting manufacturing processes, while decline of NAND price will be moderated as the market enters the high season, explained the analyst. 

The possibility that semiconductor industry will maintain an upcycle in the latter half is growing, and investors may expect SK hynix’s stock price to rise further, said Park recommending it as a “top pick” in the industry. 

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)