Samsung and SK Hynix announce major shareholder return plans

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are implementing major shareholder return programs, though market reactions have varied. Samsung has announced a massive plan to return between 90 trillion and 110 trillion won by 2026, including significant cash dividends and share buybacks. In contrast, SK Hynix saw a notable stock price increase following its announcement of a 40 trillion won share buyback and total cancellation plan.

Amid these corporate moves, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong is set to acquire approximately 7.19 million shares from his mother, Hong Ra-hee, in an off-market transaction valued at roughly 1.94 trillion won. This transfer is widely viewed as a measure to help Hong settle inheritance tax obligations following the death of Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

Other notable corporate activities include Samsung Biologics securing a 350.8 billion won contract for pharmaceutical manufacturing and GS Engineering & Construction winning a 637.4 billion won redevelopment project. Meanwhile, Kioxia's CEO denied rumors of deepening cooperation with SK Hynix, citing potential antitrust hurdles.