Technology

Samsung Shares Surge After $7 Billion Buyback Announcement

Samsung shares jumped after a $7 billion buyback announcement to stabilize stock value and address challenges in the AI market.

Samsung shares experienced a dramatic surge following the announcement of a massive $7.2 billion stock buyback plan. South Korea’s largest company aims to stabilize its stock value and rebuild investor confidence after lagging behind competitors in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

Samsung Shares Soar as Investors Welcome Buyback Plan

Samsung shares rose 7.5% during Monday’s trading in Seoul, building on a 7.2% rally last Friday. Despite the positive news, Samsung shares are still down 28% for the year, largely due to underperformance in its memory chip business, which has struggled to capitalize on the booming AI market.

Analysts view the buyback as a strategic move to prevent further declines in Samsung shares. Jay Kwon, an analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co., stated, “The sudden buyback comes as a positive surprise to us, and we believe Samsung’s management is proactively aiming to prevent further share price decline.”

Key Details of Samsung's $7 Billion Stock Buyback

The buyback will occur in phases, with 3 trillion won allocated for the first stage, set to conclude in February 2025. Samsung plans to cancel all repurchased shares, ensuring long-term benefits for shareholders. The company’s board will deliberate on how best to allocate the remaining 7 trillion won in subsequent phases.

In addition to stabilizing Samsung shares, the buyback may strengthen the founding family’s control over the company. Members of the Lee family, who hold significant shares in the company, have pledged some of their holdings as collateral for loans and inheritance taxes. This move could ease pressure on the family by reducing the volume of shares held externally.

Competitive Challenges in AI and Chipmaking

While the buyback provides short-term relief for Samsung shares, the company continues to face challenges in maintaining its competitive edge. Its rival, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), dominates the outsourced chipmaking market, while SK Hynix Inc. has captured investor enthusiasm with its AI chips, driving its stock up 23% this year.

Samsung recently claimed “meaningful” progress in AI memory chip technology but has yet to reclaim its position as an industry leader. Analysts, including Citigroup’s Peter Lee, predict potential management reshuffles in late November, particularly in Samsung’s chip division. Such changes could play a critical role in addressing operational inefficiencies and boosting confidence in Samsung shares.

Samsung Shares in Historical Context

Samsung has a history of large-scale buybacks to support its stock. Previous buybacks include initiatives worth 9.3 trillion won in 2017 and 11.3 trillion won in 2015. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

The latest buyback aligns with broader efforts by South Korea’s government and regulators to improve the valuation of domestic stocks. Analysts expect Samsung shares to remain above critical price levels, driven by the buyback and ongoing investor optimism.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Samsung Shares

Despite the challenges, Samsung shares stand to benefit from several opportunities. The global demand for AI and memory chips continues to grow, providing a potential avenue for Samsung to regain market share. Additionally, strategic restructuring and management changes could position the company for long-term success.

Samsung also faces an evolving market landscape that requires continuous innovation to compete with rivals like TSMC and SK Hynix. With a renewed focus on cutting-edge technologies and proactive financial strategies, the company is poised to navigate its current challenges.

In the immediate term, the buyback will likely keep Samsung shares stable, providing much-needed reassurance to investors. The move also signals that Samsung’s leadership is taking proactive steps to address both internal and external challenges.