Samsung rallies on AI push, dividend pledge

Mar 19, 2026, 08:33 am

		0
Shareholders line up to enter Samsung Electronics’ 57th annual general meeting at Suwon Convention Center on March 18, where Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun outlined AI investment and dividend plans.

Samsung Electronics saw strong shareholder support at its annual meeting on Wednesday, as executives unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen competitiveness and expand into AI-driven semiconductor solutions.

“Last year, we promised to restore our competitiveness, and we have delivered on that promise,” Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun said, drawing applause from shareholders.

Speaking at the company’s 57th annual general meeting held at Suwon Convention Center, Jun highlighted that Samsung had become the first Korean company to surpass a market capitalization of 1 quadrillion won. He added that the firm will continue aggressive investments in facilities and research and development to meet growing AI demand.

Samsung also announced large-scale shareholder return plans, including annual dividends totaling 9.8 trillion won and an additional 1.3 trillion won payout. The company confirmed it will proceed with treasury stock cancellation within the first half of the year, estimated at around 16 trillion won based on current share prices.

Jun, who also serves as board chairman this year, outlined a strategy to transform Samsung into a “comprehensive AI semiconductor one-stop solution provider,” integrating memory, foundry and system LSI businesses.

Meanwhile, Roh Tae-moon, head of the DX division, announced that preorders for the Galaxy S26 reached 1.35 million units and pledged to expand Galaxy AI-enabled devices to 800 million units this year.

Investor sentiment responded positively, with Samsung shares jumping 7.53% to close at 208,500 won, reclaiming the “200,000 won level.”

However, labor tensions persist. The company’s union voted in favor of a strike after wage negotiations broke down. According to the union, 93% of participating members supported the action, with potential strikes expected in May following a rally in April.

#Samsung Electronics #shareholder meeting #AI semiconductor #Jun Young-hyun