[Edaily SOYEON KIM Reporter Choi Oh-hyun] Kwak No-jeong, CEO of SK hynix, said on the 28th, “After comprehensive consideration, we determined that the current timing for Solidigm’s initial public offering (IPO) would make it difficult to meet our initial expectations, so we have decided to suspend both the pre-IPO and the IPO.”

During SK hynix’s third-quarter earnings conference call that day, he explained the decision to suspend the IPO, saying, “We had been considering an IPO to secure the funds necessary for growth investments aimed at meeting the increasing demand for Solidigm.”

He added, “Solidigm will strengthen its competitiveness and secure growth opportunities,” and stated, “We will pursue fundraising in a manner that aligns with corporate value and shareholder value.”

President Kwak also addressed the special dividend that day. He emphasized, “The company has always adhered to the principle of sharing the fruits of strategic investments with shareholders,” adding, “In accordance with this principle, we will return the gains realized this year from our investment in Kioxia to shareholders through a special dividend, ensuring that you, our shareholders, can directly experience the results of our strategic investments.”

SK hynix announced in a regulatory filing that day that the third-quarter dividend had been set at 20,000 won per share. This consists of a 10,000-won dividend reflecting improved earnings and a 10,000-won special dividend sharing the returns from the Kioxia investment. The company decided to return most of the profits realized from this year’s Kioxia investment to shareholders.

On the same day, SK hynix announced an additional shareholder return plan worth 60 trillion won. Following the recently completed 40 trillion won share buyback, the company will implement a total of 100 trillion won in shareholder returns this year. Cash dividends will total more than 30 trillion won, while the purchase and cancellation of treasury shares will total more than 60 trillion won.