Samsung Electronics announced on Feb. 17 that its cash reserves have surpassed 100 trillion won (US$88.80 billion).

The Korean tech giant held cash reserves of 104 trillion won as of the end-2018, up 24.7 percent on-year.

The increase was mainly due to profits generated by its semiconductor business, along with a decrease in facility investments by 14 trillion won last year.

Some industry watchers expect Samsung to spend some of the cash on mergers and acquisitions, given that the company previously declared that it would invest 180 trillion won in its semiconductor and display units until 2021.

This would create synergies with Samsung’s existing foundry business, according to Kiwoom Securities in a report.

By Kim Hye-soo (clairek@heraldcorp.com)