Samsung's record $79bn shareholder return reflects AI boom pressure

SemiconductorsPayout comes after stock slides on memory supply glut worriesSamsung Electronics' semiconductor division reaped a record operating profit in the second quarter of 2026. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok)NAMI MATSUURA and KYOHEI SUGAAugust 22, 2026 01:08 JSTSEOUL/TOKYO -- Samsung Electronics' decision to return as much as 110 trillion won ($79 billion) to shareholders underscores how the semiconductor giant must walk a tightrope between rewarding investors and pouring money into the AI race. Read NextLatest on Semiconductors