Samsung Electronics Announces Record Shareholder Return Plan for 2026 Valued at KRW 90 to 110 Trillion
Samsung Electronics’ Board of Directors has approved an unprecedented shareholder return strategy set for 2026, projected to range between KRW 90 trillion and KRW 110 trillion. This initiative substantially exceeds the previous high of KRW 20.3 trillion established in 2020, marking the largest shareholder return ever by a South Korean corporation.
This historic shareholder return is strategically designed to translate corporate growth into significant shareholder benefits, thereby fostering a synergetic cycle of company growth and shareholder value enhancement.
Shareholder Return Policy: 2024-2026
Samsung is diligently executing its three-year shareholder return policy for the period 2024 to 2026, which involves dedicating 50% of its free cash flow (FCF) to shareholder returns. Between 2024 and 2025, the company disbursed a total of KRW 19.6 trillion in regular dividends, amounting to KRW 9.8 trillion annually. In 2025, Samsung also issued a special dividend of KRW 1.3 trillion and conducted a share buyback and cancellation valued at KRW 8.4 trillion.
With the inclusion of the 2026 shareholder return, the aggregate shareholder return across this three-year span is anticipated to lie between KRW 120 trillion and KRW 140 trillion.
2026 Financial Projections
In the third quarter of 2026, Samsung plans to allocate approximately KRW 30 trillion for cash dividends, which encompasses regular dividends. Final details will be determined during the Board meeting scheduled for October. Additional shareholder return measures will be finalized at the January 2027 Board meeting, contingent on the confirmation of 2026’s financial results. These measures are expected to include a combination of cash dividends and share buybacks/cancellations.
The Board has also authorized a share buyback of about KRW 15 trillion intended for employee compensation, a move projected to further bolster shareholder value.
Looking ahead, Samsung remains dedicated to executing its shareholder return policy with precision and maintaining transparent communication with both shareholders and the market.