Samsung’s comeback plan: big deals, AI push, and stock revival

Reuters

Samsung vows a comeback with bold M&A plans as shareholder pressure mounts. Admitting missteps in AI and chip tech, executives pledge a turnaround by 2025. With a $7.2B buyback and a push for acquisitions, the tech giant aims to reclaim its lost edge.

Samsung Electronics has announced plans to pursue significant mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as it faces mounting pressure from shareholders over declining stock performance and missed opportunities in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

At a shareholder meeting on Wednesday, co-CEO Jun Young-hyun admitted that Samsung was late in responding to market trends, particularly in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chip sector, where rival SK Hynix has gained a competitive edge. He pledged that 2025 would be the year Samsung regains its technological leadership.

The South Korean tech giant has struggled with weak earnings, falling behind competitors in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and AI-driven chip demand. In response, Samsung launched a $7.2 billion share buyback plan last year and is considering expanding its stock-based performance system to employees.

Co-CEO Han Jong-hee acknowledged investor concerns and said Samsung is determined to achieve “meaningful” M&A deals, despite regulatory challenges in the semiconductor industry. With its market value at $235 billion and nearly 40% of South Korean investors holding Samsung shares, the company’s future growth strategy will be closely watched.

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