Samsung Electronics is on course to become the first company in South Korea to build cash assets of more than 200 trillion won ($146.6 billion), with the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor boom strengthening its financial position.The chipmaker’s cash reserves have nearly doubled over the past year, while its overall assets have also grown. The increase comes as Samsung prepares for higher investments in semiconductor manufacturing and research, alongside a sizeable shareholder return programme.Samsung’s cash and cash equivalents are estimated to have reached 214.8 trillion won by the end of the third quarter, according to industry data released on Sunday. This marks a rise of 24.8 trillion won from the 190 trillion won recorded at the end of the previous quarter, as reported by Yonhap news agency.The latest estimate is also almost twice the 108.5 trillion won the company held at the end of the third quarter of 2025.Samsung’s total assets stood at 791.8 trillion won at the end of September, an increase of 32.4 trillion won over the preceding three months.The company’s growing cash position is expected to be enough to cover the highest possible payout under its landmark shareholder return policy announced in August, market watchers estimate.Samsung had indicated that it would make between 90 trillion won and 110 trillion won available for shareholder returns in 2026.The company is also expected to announce its shareholder policy for the coming year at a board meeting scheduled for January.Alongside shareholder payouts, Samsung is preparing for a significant increase in spending on its semiconductor business.Investments in chipmaking infrastructure and research and development are expected to exceed 100 trillion won this year, marking a historic high. Of this amount, 84.4 trillion won is expected to go towards expanding its memory production facilities.Samsung expects the semiconductor supercycle to extend through next year, supported by continued investments in artificial intelligence and a crunch in memory supply.
