Samsung unveils Korea's largest shareholder return plan, targeting up to $79 billion this year, 50% of free cash flow

Samsung Electronics announced it will return up to 110 trillion Korean won (approximately $79 billion) to shareholders in 2026, accounting for about 50% of free cash flow, setting a record for the largest return in Korean corporate history. The company plans to distribute 30 trillion won in quarterly dividends and repurchase 15 trillion won in shares. Driven by AI demand and competition from peer SK Hynix, this move has boosted market expectations for high dividends, providing valuation support for the stock price.