[Samsung and SK Hynix Reportedly Studying Largest Shareholder Return Plan in History, Total May Exceed $140 Billion] BlockBeats News, August 12, according to South Korea's *Seoul Economic Daily*, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are internally studying large-scale shareholder return plans, with specific directions possibly announced as early as the end of this month. As AI drives memory chips into a supercycle, the two companies have seen a significant increase in free cash flow. The market expects the total scale of shareholder returns, including special dividends, share buybacks, and cancellations, to exceed 200 trillion Korean won (approximately $141.2 billion). Samsung Electronics has previously committed to allocating 50% of its cumulative free cash flow to shareholder returns under its 2024-2026 three-year shareholder return policy. The market anticipates that, with a substantial increase in free cash flow this year, Samsung Electronics' shareholder returns for this year could reach between 100 trillion and 125 trillion Korean won. Some institutions even estimate around 120 trillion Korean won, potentially through special dividends, share buybacks, and cancellations. SK Hynix has also pledged to allocate 50% of its cumulative free cash flow from 2025 to 2027 for shareholder returns. As of the end of the second quarter, the company’s cash assets reached 88 trillion Korean won, with net cash increasing to 69.4 trillion Korean won. Additionally, it raised 39.8905 trillion Korean won through a Nasdaq ADR new share issuance. The market expects its subsequent special dividends and additional buybacks or cancellations to reach tens of trillions of Korean won, potentially approaching 100 trillion Korean won at the high end. However, both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have stated that the specific announcement timing and scale of shareholder returns have not yet been finalized, as they are still exploring various plans to enhance shareholder value. [Original Link]