Samsung Electronics expects to return 90 trillion won to 110 trillion won to shareholders in 2026, potentially marking its largest shareholder return programme to date. The plan includes about 30 trillion won in third-quarter dividends, while the remaining returns will be determined after the company finalizes its full year results.
Samsung Electronics plans to return between 90 trillion won and 110 trillion won to shareholders in 2026, as the South Korean technology giant increases payouts following stronger cash generation from its businesses.
Samsung's board approved the estimated shareholder return range on Aug. 21. The company said the programme would be its largest ever and roughly five times its previous record of 20.3 trillion won, set in 2020.
The plan includes approximately 30 trillion won in cash dividends for the third quarter, including Samsung's regular dividend payments. The company said the detailed amount will be finalized by the board in October.
The remaining shareholder returns will be determined in January 2027, after Samsung's 2026 financial results have been finalized. The board will consider a combination of cash dividends, share purchases and share cancellations when determining how the remaining amount will be distributed.
Samsung's shareholder return programme forms part of its commitment to return 50% of free cash flow generated over the 2024-2026 period to shareholders. The company said its total shareholder returns for 2024 and 2025 amounted to 29.3 trillion won.
The announcement comes as Samsung benefits from strong demand for semiconductors linked to the artificial-intelligence boom. The company has also continued to invest heavily in facilities and research and development to strengthen its position in AI-related semiconductor markets.
Samsung separately approved a 15 trillion won share purchase programme for employee compensation, according to the company's announcement. That programme is separate from the broader shareholder return estimate.
Despite the size of the planned payout, Samsung shares fell more than 8% on Aug. 24, with investors focusing on the lack of specific commitments on additional share buybacks and cancellations. Reuters reported that the announcement disappointed some investors who had expected greater clarity on how Samsung would distribute its cash.
The final composition of Samsung's 2026 shareholder returns will therefore become clearer when the company makes its October dividend decision and when its board determines the remaining payout in January 2027.
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