Samsung Electronics is preparing a new shareholder return programme worth more than 100 trillion won (US$71.75 billion), as the technology giant looks to share the spoils from record profits fuelled by the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chip boom.
According to Reuters, the South Korean memory-chip heavyweight is expected to hold a board meeting at the end of August to approve the plan, which could include a special dividend, according to local media reports citing industry sources.
Samsung is expected to allocate 50% of its free cash flow to the new shareholder return programme.
The move comes as the global memory-chip sector rides a powerful upcycle driven by surging demand for AI infrastructure and high-performance semiconductors.
Samsung’s reported plan follows a major capital return announcement by domestic rival SK Hynix, which on Aug 19 unveiled a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation programme — the largest shareholder return scheme announced by a listed South Korean company.
SK Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker behind Samsung, also said it would return more than 50% of free cash flow generated between 2025 and 2027 to shareholders.
The moves underline growing pressure on South Korea’s largest chipmakers to translate booming earnings into stronger shareholder returns as AI-related demand lifts industry profits.
Samsung declined to comment on the reports.
