Samsung Electronics is preparing a share buyback programme worth approximately 90 trillion won ($59 billion), a move that could rank among the largest corporate share repurchase initiatives ever undertaken in Asia and further strengthen shareholder returns at the South Korean technology giant. As reported by Reuters, citing Yonhap News Agency, the company is expected to announce details of the programme following recent wage negotiations that included stock-based compensation for employees.
According to Yonhap, Samsung may acquire as many as 290 million shares, representing roughly 5% of its outstanding common stock, over the next three years to support employee stock awards and long-term incentive programmes. The proposed repurchases would build on several buyback initiatives already completed this year. Earlier filings highlighted by Reuters show Samsung repurchased shares for employee compensation and retired treasury stock worth billions of dollars as part of efforts to enhance shareholder value and align employee rewards with long-term company performance.
The announcement comes at a time when Samsung is benefiting from surging demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence infrastructure. As disclosed in company filings reported by Reuters, Samsung plans to invest more than 110 trillion won ($73 billion) in research, development, and facilities in 2026 as it seeks to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding AI semiconductor market. The company and rival chipmakers are expected to post record earnings as global technology firms accelerate investments in data centres and AI computing capacity.
Investors reacted positively to reports of the buyback plan, sending Samsung shares sharply higher and helping the company reclaim its position as South Korea’s most valuable listed firm by market capitalization. Analysts say the proposed repurchase programme could support the share price, improve earnings per share, and reinforce confidence in Samsung’s long-term growth strategy. As the global AI boom continues to drive demand for advanced semiconductors, the company is positioning itself to combine aggressive investment with substantial capital returns, a balance that could further enhance its appeal to both institutional and retail investors.
