SK Hynix is facing backlash from individual investors after announcing a quarterly dividend of 375 won per share for the second quarter of 2026.
According to a disclosure on the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system (DART) on August 7, SK Hynix declared a cash dividend of 375 won per common share. The market dividend rate stands at 0.02%, with the total dividend amounting to approximately 273.3 billion won. The record date for the dividend is August 31.
Following the announcement, investors took to major stock communities to express their frustration, stating, "Despite record earnings, the shareholder return is at a 'meager' level."
One investor pointed out that based on SK Hynix's market capitalization and stock price, holding 1 billion won worth of shares would yield only 250,000 won in dividends for the quarter. They added, "Even annualized, the total dividend is about 1.1 trillion won, which pales in comparison to the expected total employee bonuses of around 20 to 25 trillion won, indicating that shareholder returns are not a priority."
Online users also reacted strongly, mocking the lack of shareholder returns in the domestic market. Comments included, "Even with 10 billion won in stocks, you can only buy a Samsung foldable phone," and "Is escaping the domestic market a matter of intelligence?" Others remarked, "Shareholders are completely being taken advantage of," and "A market dividend rate of 0.02% is outrageous," adding, "No wonder everyone is leaving for the U.S. market," and "Samsung Electronics is fundamentally much better."
Experts noted that if companies continue to post record earnings without corresponding shareholder returns, resolving the 'Korea discount' in the stock market will remain elusive.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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