Samsung to invest $73 billion in 2026 to double down on AI chips

Samsung Electronics has announced a significant investment strategy, committing over 110 trillion won (approximately $73 billion) in 2026. This ambitious plan focuses on enhancing facilities and advancing research and development, aiming to solidify the company's dominance in AI-driven semiconductors while exploring new avenues for growth. This investment is part of Samsung’s broader corporate value enhancement initiative, shared on March 19, in accordance with Korea Exchange guidelines. The strategy emphasizes Samsung's goal to be the sole chipmaker providing a comprehensive solution that integrates memory, foundry services, and advanced packaging capabilities. To strengthen its foothold in high-value memory products, such as high bandwidth memory (HBM)—crucial for AI applications—Samsung is determined to improve its investment efficiency and product competitiveness. Furthermore, the company plans to realign its business portfolio towards AI-centric growth sectors, including advanced robotics, and is actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions in fields like MedTech, automotive electronics, and HVAC systems. This strategic move is in response to the increasing global demand for AI infrastructure, which has intensified competition among semiconductor manufacturers to lead in next-generation chip technologies and integrated manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Samsung reiterated its commitment to shareholder returns for the years 2024 to 2026, which includes dividends and share buybacks. The company reported a total of 20.9 trillion won (around $15.5 billion) paid in dividends from 2024 to 2025, alongside the repurchase of shares worth 8.4 trillion won for cancellation. Looking ahead to 2026, Samsung indicated it may consider additional capital returns if the cumulative free cash flow throughout the three-year period surpasses the anticipated shareholder returns, including a regular dividend of 9.8 trillion won ($7 billion) for that year.