Recently, various media reports have surfaced regarding Solidigm’s future business operations and capital utilization plans. Several of these reports have also raised concerns that such moves could amount to a “dual listing,” thereby diluting existing shareholder value.
As previously stated in a recent regulatory filing, while Solidigm is reviewing various measures to strengthen its competitiveness, no matters have been determined as of the date hereof. This remains the case today. Given the significant uncertainty in assessing any impact at this stage, we would like to share the core principles guiding the company’s approach to this matter.
AI Data Center Market and Solidigm’s Business
Solidigm was established through SK hynix’s acquisition of Intel’s NAND and SSD business. Following challenging periods caused by industry downturns, the business is currently centered on high-capacity enterprise SSDs(eSSD) for AI data centers.
Solidigm is strengthening its business competitiveness in response to the growing market environment and shifting demand for high-capacity eSSDs used in AI data centers. The company continuously reviews the need for investments to secure production capacity and technological competitiveness, taking into account market and business conditions.
Accordingly, capital utilization plans regarding Solidigm are matters to be reviewed by comprehensively considering the company’s overall investment plans, financial position, and capital allocation.
Financing Options for Solidigm’s Investment Capital Remain Undecided
SK hynix currently maintains a strong financial position, and various capital utilization options, including the use of internal funds, can be considered. However, having sufficient capital does not automatically mean that using internal cash for all investments is the optimal choice.
SK hynix allocates resources by comprehensively considering investment demands across various business areas, including HBM, server DRAM, and eSSDs. The financing method must be evaluated by considering its impact not only on a specific business, but on the company’s overall investment plans and capital allocation.
Furthermore, the memory sector is a capital-intensive industry where market cycles and investment timing determine overall competitiveness. Accordingly, whether to utilize internal funds or external capital will be evaluated by considering market conditions, investment timing, and the company’s financial position.
Nevertheless, our evaluation standard is clear: Utilizing external capital must be carefully evaluated by comparing its impact on existing shareholders’ economic value against relying on internal cash.
Long-Term Shareholder Value is the Core Decision-Making Metric
When evaluating the potential use of external capital, we must comprehensively consider not only the economic impact of each option on the company and existing shareholders, but also the overall effectiveness of capital deployment and the financial impact of financing.
SK hynix will apply these factors as critical decision-making criteria regardless of whichever options are under review.
If a concrete plan is determined in the future, the Board of Directors will thoroughly assess its financial and operational impact and faithfully adhere to all relevant regulations and procedures.
Furthermore, we will carefully review potential impacts on existing shareholders, evaluate necessary protection measures, and communicate them transparently.
SK hynix’s primary objective in acquiring Solidigm has always been to maximize overall corporate value. This principle will remain unchanged for any option under review. We will make decisions by comprehensively considering Solidigm’s business competitiveness,
SK hynix’s long-term corporate value, and the impact on existing shareholders.
