Foreign investors' holdings in Samsung Electronics fell to 46.69% as of the 6th, the lowest level since July 23, 2009, according to Korea Exchange data released on the 7th. Foreign ownership of SK Hynix also dropped to 50.17%, the lowest since May 19, 2023. The decline followed 13 consecutive trading days of net selling by foreign investors starting from the 19th of last month through the 6th, with foreigners selling 13.265 trillion won in Samsung Electronics and 19.582 trillion won in SK Hynix during this period. Retail investors moved in the opposite direction, increasing margin trading balances to record levels: Samsung Electronics credit balance reached 5.5075 trillion won and SK Hynix credit balance hit 5.3049 trillion won as of the 6th.
Foreign Ownership in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Falls to Multi-Year Lows
Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics stood at 46.69% as of the 6th, down from 52.33% at the end of last year, according to Korea Exchange data. The ownership percentage fell below 50% on March 4 following the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Iran, recovered to 49.6% on May 6, then resumed its decline. The percentage dropped below 48% on the 4th of last month and fell below 47% by the end of last month. This represents the lowest foreign ownership level since July 23, 2009, when it stood at 46.67% during the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
SK Hynix followed a similar pattern. Foreign ownership reached 50.17% as of the 6th, marking the lowest level since May 19, 2023, when it was 50.10%. Foreign investors sold SK Hynix for 13 consecutive trading days from the 19th of last month through the 6th, with net selling totaling 19.582 trillion won. During the same period, net selling of Samsung Electronics amounted to 13.265 trillion won.
Retail Investors Increase Margin Trading in Semiconductor Stocks
Retail investors increased margin trading in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix during the same period. Samsung Electronics' credit balance reached 5.5075 trillion won as of the 6th, an increase of 1.2465 trillion won from a month earlier. The credit balance first exceeded 5 trillion won on the 24th of last month and reached a record high of 5.5304 trillion won on the 1st.
SK Hynix credit balance hit a record 5.3049 trillion won as of the 6th, up 1.5866 trillion won from a month prior. Credit balance represents the amount investors borrowed from securities firms for stock purchases that has not yet been repaid. An increase in credit balance indicates growing leveraged investment activity.
Samsung Electronics Announces Q2 Operating Profit of 89.4 Trillion Won
Samsung Electronics disclosed before market opening on the 7th that its consolidated Q2 operating profit reached 89.4 trillion won, representing a 1,810.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite the strong earnings results, Samsung Electronics stock price fell 9.28% on the 7th, dropping back below 300,000 won per share. The stock decline was attributed to profit-taking as earnings expectations had already been reflected in the share price.
FAQ
What is the current foreign ownership percentage of Samsung Electronics stocks?
Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics fell to 46.69% as of the 6th, the lowest level since July 23, 2009, when it stood at 46.67% during the global financial crisis aftermath.
How much did retail investors increase margin trading in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix?
Retail investors increased Samsung Electronics credit balance by 1.2465 trillion won to 5.5075 trillion won and SK Hynix credit balance by 1.5866 trillion won to 5.3049 trillion won as of the 6th, both reaching record highs.
What were Samsung Electronics' Q2 earnings results?
Samsung Electronics announced on the 7th that its Q2 operating profit reached 89.4 trillion won, representing a 1,810.3% increase compared to the same period last year, though the stock price fell 9.28% following the announcement.
