Probe causes Hynix to set aside reserve

Hynix Semiconductor Inc., the world’s second-largest maker of computer memory chips, set aside 347 billion won ($342 million) in provisions related to a U.S. investigation into alleged price-fixing in the industry. Hynix disclosed the amount in footnotes on an audited report of 2004 results. Hynix blamed the provisions for the company’s fourth-quarter net income falling short of some analysts’ estimates. Hynix joins Samsung Electronics Co. and Infineon Technologies AG in setting aside reserves. The United States has been investigating whether the makers of DRAM chips conspired to fix prices. Gartner Inc., an industry research firm, estimated in September that the probe may cost the industry $2.2 billion in fines.