Samsung Electronics announced it will return $80bn to shareholders this year through dividends and buybacks, its largest payout ever and about five times the 2020 record. The program includes a Won15tn share repurchase running until November 21 and roughly Won30tn in cash dividends for the third quarter, with the remainder to be decided in January.

Rival SK Hynix also unveiled a $29bn buyback and a commitment to return more than half of its free cash flow through 2027. Both chipmakers have seen profits surge on AI‑driven demand: Samsung’s operating profit jumped over 12‑fold to $100bn in the first half, while SK Hynix’s rose fivefold to about $70bn. Analysts forecast combined full‑year operating profit above $400bn.

Despite the windfall, shares have pulled back 22% and 41% from June highs, reflecting cyclical concerns. Executives stress the payouts balance shareholder value with needed reinvestment, and analysts view the moves as a sign of strong financial firepower to support share prices while funding AI‑related capital spending.