[Edaily Reporter Kim Kyung-eun ] SamsungElectronics(005930)and SK hynix(000660)have reaffirmed their plans to expand shareholder returns through foreign media reports.

According to Reuters on the 5th, SamsungElectronics stated in a position paper sent to the agency, “While focusing on responding to economic fluctuations and maintaining a sound financial structure for growth investments, we are reviewing ways to strengthen shareholder returns in a sustainable manner.” The company added that it plans to disclose specific measures “very soon.”

SamsungElectronics had previously indicated last month, during its second-quarter earnings announcement, that it was reviewing additional shareholder return policies, including special dividends. This latest statement reaffirms its commitment to expanding shareholder returns to global investors.

SK hynix also sent a separate statement to Reuters, stating, “We plan to finalize a specific shareholder return plan by the end of the year,” and added, “We expect to meaningfully expand shareholder returns.” The company further explained, “Based on our record-high cash generation, we are reviewing additional shareholder returns while maintaining our investment capabilities and financial soundness.”

Expectations for expanded shareholder returns are growing as both companies’ earnings have improved significantly due to the AI memory boom. SamsungElectronics and SK hynix recorded their highest-ever operating profits as of the second quarter, driven by expanding AI demand centered on High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM). SamsungElectronics’ operating profit for the first half of this year totaled approximately 146 trillion won, while SK hynix’s stood at approximately 98 trillion won.

The securities industry estimates that SamsungElectronics’ free cash flow (FCF) will reach approximately 200 trillion won this year, while SK hynix’s will reach the mid-100 trillion won range. Both companies plan to allocate 50% of their FCF to shareholder returns.

SamsungElectronics has announced a three-year shareholder return policy covering 2024 through 2026, under which it will return 50% of its free cash flow and pay annual dividends totaling 9.8 trillion won. SK hynix is also pursuing expanded investment and enhanced shareholder value with the goal of achieving “100 trillion won in net cash.”