Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reviewing shareholder return plans after a semiconductor upcycle boosted cash generation, with brokerages estimating their combined annual return pool could reach 300 trillion won ($216 billion). Samsung is keeping its current 2024-2026 policy of returning 50% of free cash flow to shareholders while internally reviewing its next plan to balance growth investment and payouts. SK Hynix has already set a 2025-2027 policy using 50% of free cash flow as the funding pool for shareholder returns and said it plans to disclose additional measures in the third quarter. Estimates cited in the report suggest about 200 trillion won for Samsung and 100 trillion won for SK Hynix, though brokerages differ on methodology. DS Investment & Securities said Samsung has room to return an additional 131.8 trillion won on top of its regular dividend of 29.4 trillion won, while Daishin Securities said conditions are in place for SK Hynix to secure up to 100 trillion won for returns. Mirae Asset Securities estimated SK Hynix free cash flow this year at 180 trillion won, implying about 40 trillion won could be available for returns after setting aside 100 trillion won in safe assets and applying the 50% payout policy. Weak share prices are adding urgency to buyback and share cancellation discussions, with SK Hynix shares down about 50% from their peak and share cancellation being considered as a way to ease dilution concerns tied to an ADR issuance.