Samsung to invest big in AI chips as union threatens strike

Mar 20, 2026, 08:59 am

Samsung Electronics said on March 19 it will invest more than 110 trillion won in facility expansion and research and development this year, marking the largest investment in its history as it seeks to lead the artificial intelligence semiconductor era.

In its 2026 corporate value enhancement plan, the company outlined efforts to secure long-term growth by restructuring its business toward future industries such as AI and advanced robotics.

Samsung also signaled plans for large-scale mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the robotics sector, which it has identified as a key growth engine. This follows its 2.6 trillion won acquisition of advanced driver assistance systems from Germany’s ZF Friedrichshafen last year, raising expectations for another major deal in 2026.

Alongside its investment plans, Samsung detailed its shareholder return policy. The company said it will allocate 50 percent of its free cash flow over three years to shareholder returns, including a planned dividend of about 9.8 trillion won this year. Any remaining funds beyond that will be returned to shareholders. Between 2024 and 2025, Samsung distributed 20.9 trillion won in dividends and repurchased 8.4 trillion won worth of shares.

However, labor unrest poses a potential risk. The company’s union has warned of a strike scheduled for May and plans to hold a press conference in front of Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s residence in Seoul to criticize management.

If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt semiconductor production and damage Samsung’s external credibility at a critical time for the company.

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