Core Viewpoint - Samsung Electronics' memory division is narrowing the profit gap with SK Hynix, primarily due to a rapid increase in DRAM prices since the second half of last year, benefiting Samsung significantly due to its higher market share in shipments [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Samsung Electronics reported preliminary sales of 93 trillion KRW and an operating profit of 20 trillion KRW for the last quarter, with the memory semiconductor division's operating profit expected to be in the high range of 17 trillion KRW [1]. - The operating profit for Samsung's memory division nearly doubled from the previous quarter's approximately 8 trillion KRW, driven by severe supply shortages causing prices of DRAM and NAND products to surge [1]. - SK Hynix initially projected an operating profit between 16 trillion to 17 trillion KRW, but due to a stronger-than-expected memory supercycle, the profit could reach at least 18 trillion KRW [1][2]. Group 2: Market Trends - The average selling price (ASP) of DRAM and NAND is expected to rise by approximately 30% [1]. - TrendForce predicts that the average selling price of general DRAM will increase by 55% to 60% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of this year [2]. - The memory supercycle in the fourth quarter of last year has led both companies to confirm their best quarterly performances ever, with Samsung's high production of general memory contributing to its rapidly improving profitability [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Samsung Electronics is expected to surpass SK Hynix in operating profit for the first quarter of this year due to the anticipated significant rise in general DRAM prices [2]. - Both companies are set to release their fourth-quarter financial reports on the same day, marking a significant event in the semiconductor industry [2].

Core Viewpoint - SK Hynix is making significant moves in the semiconductor industry by launching a large-scale recruitment drive for new graduates, which is expected to attract a high number of applicants due to competitive compensation packages and performance bonuses [2][4][6]. Group 1: Recruitment and Compensation - SK Hynix has initiated a recruitment campaign for over 100 new employees, coinciding with the graduation season in March and September, and has eliminated the cap on profit-sharing bonuses, allowing employees to receive up to 100 million KRW annually [2][4]. - The company’s average annual salary reached 117 million KRW last year, and recent recruitment events have seen a surge in interest, with reports indicating that new hires could earn more than their counterparts at Samsung Electronics [5][6]. - The competition for new positions is expected to be fierce, with predictions of a recruitment ratio exceeding 100:1, compared to last year's 50:1 [6][7]. Group 2: Performance and Market Position - SK Hynix reported a 47.8% increase in sales, reaching 354.948 billion KRW, and a 93.6% increase in operating profit, totaling 152.124 billion KRW for the first half of the year [7][8]. - The company is projected to maintain its position as the highest taxpayer in South Korea, with corporate taxes paid in the first half of the year exceeding 27 trillion KRW, marking a 129% increase from the previous year [6][7]. - SK Hynix has captured a 39.5% share of the global DRAM market, continuing to outperform competitors like Samsung Electronics, and is expected to report strong earnings in the upcoming quarters [8].