[Edaily Reporter SOYEON KIM ] Driven by the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, the combined cash reserves of SamsungElectronics and SK hynix have surpassed 329 trillion won. This represents an increase of more than 51 trillion won in just three months. This is due to a significant improvement in the two companies’ cash generation capabilities, driven by surging demand for high-value-added semiconductors—such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM)—as global Big Tech firms expand their investments in AI infrastructure. Leveraging their massive financial resources, the two companies are expanding investments in semiconductor production facilities and research and development (R&D) while simultaneously accelerating record-breaking shareholder returns.

According to the third-quarter earnings reports released by SamsungElectronics and SK hynix on the 8th, their combined cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the third quarter—calculated based on each company’s respective reporting standards—totaled 329.2829 trillion won. This represents an increase of 51.3259 trillion won compared to the end of the second quarter (277.9570 trillion won). Cash and cash equivalents include cash, cash equivalents, and short-term financial instruments.

SamsungElectronics’ cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter stood at 214.8229 trillion won, up 24.8239 trillion won from the previous quarter (189.9990 trillion won). Compared to the same period last year (108.4638 trillion won), this represents nearly a twofold increase. This marks the first time SamsungElectronics’ cash and cash equivalents have exceeded 200 trillion won. Net cash, excluding borrowings, also reached 197.6317 trillion won.

SK hynix’s cash and cash equivalents also rose sharply. As of the end of the third quarter, they stood at 114.46 trillion won, an increase of 26.502 trillion won from the previous quarter (87.958 trillion won). Compared to the same period last year (27.854 trillion won), the figure has more than quadrupled. Net cash also expanded to approximately 98.7 trillion won.

The sharp rise in cash holdings at both companies is largely due to improved earnings driven by the growth of the AI semiconductor market. As global Big Tech companies expand their investments in AI infrastructure, demand is surging not only for HBM but also for DRAM used in AI servers. The combination of increased sales of high-value-added products and rising memory prices is simultaneously improving profitability and cash generation.

The funds secured are expected to be used for large-scale investments aimed at securing future growth engines. SamsungElectronics plans to spend 84.4 trillion won on capital expenditures this year. This is the largest amount in history, representing an increase of approximately 60% compared to last year (52.7 trillion won). Capital expenditures for SamsungElectronics’ Semiconductor (DS) Division total 76.8 trillion won. The company plans to expand new memory production facilities and strengthen the competitiveness of its foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) operations at the Taylor plant in Texas, U.S.

Research and development (R&D) investment is also expanding to a record high. The company recorded cumulative R&D investment of 41.7 trillion won this year, with 11.3 trillion won in the first quarter, 16 trillion won in the second quarter, and 14.4 trillion won in the third quarter. Cumulative R&D investment through the third quarter has already surpassed last year’s annual investment total (37.7 trillion won). It is highly likely that the annual total will exceed 50 trillion won. When capital expenditures and R&D expenses are combined, this year’s total investment is expected to exceed 130 trillion won.

SK hynix is also expanding its production capacity, with a focus on HBM. Along with expanding domestic semiconductor production facilities—such as the M15X plant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province—the company is moving forward with the construction of a state-of-the-art packaging plant in Indiana, U.S. The strategy is to simultaneously strengthen its production base and technological competitiveness in response to growing demand for AI semiconductors.

Both companies are also expanding shareholder returns to share the benefits of improved performance with their shareholders. SamsungElectronics is planning shareholder returns totaling 90 trillion to 110 trillion won this year. Including 30 trillion won in the third quarter, cumulative cash dividends for the year have reached 35 trillion won. The remaining funds for shareholder returns amount to 55 trillion to 75 trillion won, and industry observers speculate that, given SamsungElectronics’ cash flow, this year’s shareholder returns could reach the maximum level of 110 trillion won. The specific amount and implementation plan are scheduled to be finalized at a board meeting in late January of next year.

SK hynix has also announced a shareholder return plan totaling 100 trillion won for this year. If both companies proceed according to their plans, the total shareholder returns for this year are projected to reach up to 210 trillion won.