Hankook Semiconductor Chairman Kwak Dong-shin announced on July 30 that he has acquired an additional 5 billion won (approximately $4.2 million) in company shares. This purchase fulfills a stock buyback plan disclosed on July 2.
The acquisition price was set at 170,565 won per share, totaling 5 billion won. Following this transaction, Kwak's ownership stake has increased to 33.62%, or 32,048,145 shares. This marks the third stock buyback this year, following purchases of 3 billion won in April and 8 billion won in June, bringing his total stock buyback for 2023 to 16 billion won (about $13.5 million). Since 2023, his total personal stock acquisitions have reached 69.5 billion won (approximately $58.5 million).
Kwak has received cumulative dividends of 64.74 billion won (around $54.5 million) since 2024, which he has reinvested into stock buybacks.
Kwak's stock purchases reflect confidence in Hankook Semiconductor's technological capabilities and future growth in the global artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor equipment market. The decision is also seen as a commitment to enhancing corporate value, given the perceived undervaluation of the company's stock amid strong growth momentum from its entry into the U.S. market and next-generation equipment supply.
Hankook Semiconductor continues to grow based on its unique technological prowess. The company reported record second-quarter revenues of 251.1 billion won, the highest quarterly performance since its founding in 1980. Notably, the operating profit margin for the second quarter reached 51.9%, demonstrating exceptional profitability in the global semiconductor equipment market.
Hankook Semiconductor holds the top position in the production of TC bonders, essential for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key component in AI semiconductors. The company is maintaining its leadership by supplying 'TC Bonder 4' equipment for HBM4 mass production and plans to release a prototype of its second-generation hybrid bonder equipment this year, with a 'wide TC bonder' set to launch in the first half of next year.
The company is also intensifying its overseas expansion efforts. By the end of this year, Hankook Semiconductor plans to establish a subsidiary, 'Hankook USA,' in San Jose, California, to target the U.S. semiconductor market. With companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI leading the 'TerraFab' initiative, along with Micron, SK Hynix, Amkor Technology, Intel, and TSMC expanding local manufacturing facilities supported by the U.S. government's CHIPS Act, Hankook Semiconductor aims to provide close technical support through its local subsidiary.
A representative from Hankook Semiconductor stated, "Chairman Kwak's additional stock purchases reflect confidence in the company's growth driven by its U.S. expansion and equipment supply, as well as a commitment to responsible management. We will further solidify our leadership in the global AI semiconductor packaging market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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