Samsung Electronics Weighs Record Shareholder Return Plan

Samsung Electronics, South Korea’s most valuable listed company, has more than 8 million shareholders, including a large retail investor base. Investors have pressed the technology group to deploy its cash through higher dividends and share cancellations to narrow its valuation discount. The pressure intensified after memory-chip rival SK Hynix announced a 40 trillion won buyback program, raising expectations for a larger response from Samsung.

Samsung’s board is expected to discuss the company’s biggest-ever shareholder return package in late August. Initial reports put the plan at 150 trillion to 160 trillion won, combining a special cash dividend with share repurchases and cancellations. A newer report said Samsung could announce a 110 trillion won package as soon as tonight, suggesting the final size remains unsettled and subject to board approval.