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 m

A Samsung Electronics union representing mainly workers in the company’s consumer-device business is set to rally in Seoul on Friday afternoon over a widening compensation gap with its semiconductor division, as the AI-driven memory boom delivers record chip profits while raising costs for smartphones, TVs and applianc

The South Korean chipmaker plans to spend 50% of its free cash flow on the programme, which would include a special dividend