Samsung Electronics is expected to become the first South Korean company to surpass 200 trillion won (approximately US$146.6 billion) in cash assets, driven by strong demand for semiconductors amid the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom. According to industry data, the technology giant's cash and cash equivalents reached an estimated 214.8 trillion won by the end of the third quarter, up from 190 trillion won in the previous quarter and nearly double the 108.5 trillion won recorded a year earlier.
The company's total assets also increased to 791.8 trillion won by the end of September, reflecting continued financial growth. Analysts believe Samsung's substantial cash reserves will support its planned shareholder returns of 90 trillion to 110 trillion won in 2026.
Meanwhile, Samsung is expected to invest more than 100 trillion won in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and research and development this year, including 84.4 trillion won for expanding memory chip production. The company anticipates that the semiconductor growth cycle will continue into next year, supported by sustained AI investment and limited global memory chip supplies.
