Samsung stock slides after record shareholder returns miss buyback expectations

Samsung Electronics’ shares fell over 8% after it unveiled a record 90–110 trillion won in shareholder returns for 2024–2026, including 30 trillion won in cash dividends this year. Analysts say the plan is large but disappointed expectations for bigger buybacks and clearer buyback details linked to AI-driven profits. Ownership constraints involving Samsung Life and Samsung Fire may limit buybacks, leaving most remaining funds to be paid out as dividends; rival SK Hynix outlined larger buybacks. The news contributed to a roughly 3% drop in the Kospi, and investors will be watching Samsung’s next capital-return framework due in January 2027.