Samsung Electronics approved a record shareholder return plan for 2026 valued between 90 trillion and 110 trillion won ($65 billion to $79.5 billion). This program represents the largest payout by a South Korean company in history. The total amount is approximately five times larger than Samsung’s previous record set in 2020.
The initiative aligns with a three-year policy to return 50% of free cash flow to investors through 2026. Samsung will distribute an initial 30 trillion won in cash dividends during the third quarter of 2026. Management will finalize details for the remaining returns, including potential buybacks and cancellations, in January 2027.
The decision follows investor pressure to distribute profits generated by the global AI chip boom. The board also authorized a separate 15 trillion won share buyback dedicated to employee compensation.