Samsung Shares Soar After Reports of Massive Shareholder Payout

Shares of Samsung Electronics surged following reports that the company is close to announcing a plan to return more than 100 trillion won ($72 billion) to shareholders. This could include a special dividend, with approximately 50% of free cash flow being allocated to repaying investors.

The board is expected to discuss the plan after the market closes. Samsung's stock climbed nearly 3%, following a 10% jump in the previous session. SK Hynix shares also rose 3.6% after announcing a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation program.

These developments come after Samsung reported record operating profit in the second quarter, driven by strong demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company has not yet officially confirmed the shareholder payout plan.