Samsung Electronics shares skid as record shareholder returns disappoint

SEOUL: Shares of Samsung Electronics fell over 8% in early trade on Monday after the company’s record $79 billion shareholder-return plan disappointed investors who had expected a larger share of Samsung’s AI-fueled cash windfalls and greater clarity on share buybacks.

Samsung and rival SK Hynix last week announced major shareholder return plans, following mounting pressure from investors to return some of the gains from their record-breaking profits as the AI boom drives demand for chips.