Samsung Electronics Small Shareholders Increase by 1.7 Million This Year Alone... Approaching 4 Million

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] The number of small shareholders holding Samsung Electronics stock (with a stake of 1% or less) has approached 4 million. It increased by 1.7 million this year alone. Compared to the previous year, it rose by 2.5 million.

According to Samsung Electronics' quarterly report on the 17th, as of March 31, the total number of small shareholders reached 3,867,960.

As of the end of December last year, the number of small shareholders was 2,153,969. It increased by 1,713,991 this year alone. Compared to one year ago, it rose by 2,502,988 (183.3%). Compared to the end of 2019 (568,313), it increased by 3.3 million, about six times, in 15 months.

This refers to small shareholders holding Samsung Electronics common stock, and if shareholders invested in preferred stock are included, the number of individual investors is estimated to be even higher.

Samsung Electronics' small shareholders appear to have increased significantly in January. Samsung Electronics' stock price rose from 81,000 KRW at the end of last year to an intraday high of 96,800 KRW on January 11, nearly reaching 100,000 KRW.

At the end of March, the price was 81,400 KRW, only 400 KRW higher than the end of last year. The closing price on that day was 79,600 KRW.

Individual investors net purchased 185.07 million shares of Samsung Electronics stock in the first quarter of this year alone. During the same period, institutions sold 112.47 million shares, and foreigners sold 76.02 million shares. As a result, the shareholding ratio held by individuals also increased by more than 3% from 6.48% at the end of last year to 9.5% as of the end of March. As of May, it has exceeded 10%.

As of the end of March, the Samsung owner family holds 21.18% of the shares, and the National Pension Service holds 9.74%.