Samsung and SK Hynix Under Pressure to Share AI-Driven Profits

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea's leading memory chip manufacturers, are experiencing unprecedented profits driven by the AI boom, prompting calls from various stakeholders for profit-sharing. In the second quarter of 2026, the combined operating profit of both companies reached 150 trillion won, approximately $104 billion. This surge in earnings has attracted attention from shareholders, labor unions, and government officials, all advocating for a distribution of the wealth generated by the AI infrastructure.

During trade negotiations in June 2026, U.S. officials proposed a profit-sharing model, arguing that American tech companies, which are major consumers of these chips, should benefit from the profits. In South Korea, the retail shareholder group ACT is pushing for a $32 billion buyback from Samsung, while SK Hynix has already implemented a profit-sharing bonus of 10% of annual operating profit, effective since 2025.

Both companies are investing heavily to maintain their positions in the AI market, with SK Hynix planning to allocate at least 45 trillion won in capital expenditures for 2026, a 50% increase from the previous year. Samsung is also expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for AI-related memory. The projected net cash position for both firms is expected to reach $263 billion by the end of 2026, highlighting the significant financial resources at their disposal. However, the pressure to balance reinvestment with shareholder demands complicates their strategic decisions.

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Source: KLEA News