South Korean media: Samsung is secretly studying the feasibility of listing in the US, while the company had previously denied such plans.

According to South Korean media outlet Bloter, a source familiar with the matter disclosed that Samsung Electronics has initiated internal research on various plans for issuing American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) in the U.S. and is assessing related operational procedures. Bloomberg reported on July 14 that Samsung Electronics had held preliminary discussions with multiple investment banks regarding a U.S. listing via ADRs. The company responded at the time that it was not considering a U.S. market listing through ADR issuance. However, market observers note that Samsung’s denial does not completely eliminate the possibility of issuing ADRs in the future. Despite the company’s rejection of the plan, relevant business departments have, under management’s direction, begun evaluating the potential costs, benefits and required procedures for ADR issuance. A semiconductor industry source revealed on July 15 that the company’s management recently tasked relevant departments with studying whether a feasible structure tailored for Samsung’s ADR issuance can be developed. As part of this research, Samsung Electronics personnel have consulted SK Hynix, which recently completed an ADR issuance and listed on the Nasdaq, for insights. (Jinshi)