Samsung Electronics is set to become South Korea’s first company with cash assets exceeding 200 trillion won ($146.6 billion). The increase comes amid an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor boom, industry data showed on Sunday.
The chipmaker’s cash and cash equivalents reached an estimated 214.8 trillion won at the end of the third quarter. This marked an increase of 24.8 trillion won from 190 trillion won three months earlier.
Furthermore, the figure was nearly double the 108.5 trillion won recorded at the end of September 2025, according to the data reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Samsung’s total assets also increased to 791.8 trillion won at the end of September. This represented a rise of 32.4 trillion won from the previous quarter.
Samsung cash assets support shareholder returns
Market watchers estimate Samsung’s cash reserves can fully fund the top-line payout under its latest shareholder return policy.
The company announced the policy in August. It expects to make around 90 trillion won to 110 trillion won available for shareholder returns in 2026.
Meanwhile, Samsung plans to increase spending on semiconductor infrastructure and research and development (R&D). Investments in these areas are expected to exceed 100 trillion won this year, marking a potential record.
Of this amount, 84.4 trillion won will go towards expanding memory production facilities.
Samsung expects AI-driven chip demand to continue
Samsung expects the semiconductor supercycle to continue through next year. The company cited sustained AI investments and a shortage of memory chips as key factors supporting demand.
Additionally, it plans to announce its shareholder return policy for the coming year. The announcement is expected at a board meeting scheduled for January.
The company’s cash position comes amid a sharp improvement in quarterly earnings. Strong demand for AI-related semiconductors supported its performance during the July-September quarter.
Samsung Q3 net profit jumps over sixfold
Samsung Electronics reported net profit of 75.13 trillion won ($56.2 billion) for the third quarter. This represented a 514.6 per cent increase from 12.22 trillion won in the corresponding period last year.
The world’s largest memory chipmaker disclosed the results in a regulatory filing.
The latest figures highlight the financial gains from rising demand for AI-related chips. They also provide Samsung with significant resources for capacity expansion, research and shareholder returns.
