Barclays described SK Hynix's buyback as a strong signal to investors and forecast shareholder returns equivalent to about 15% of the company's current market capitalization during 2025-2027. Researcher Simon Coles said the company can increase shareholder returns without reducing investment in capacity expansion, supported by strong cash flow. Barclays maintained its overweight rating on SK Hynix ADRs (depositary receipts representing foreign shares) under ticker SKHY.O and kept its $300 target price. The bank raised its 2027 quarterly dividend forecast to 2,500 Korean won per share and its year-end dividend forecast to 10,000 won. Assuming a 200 trillion won buyback in 2027, about 51% of cumulative free cash flow (cash remaining after capital spending) from 2025-2027 would be returned to shareholders. Barclays said the balance between dividends and buybacks remains uncertain, but considers repurchases more appropriate when the stock is undervalued because semiconductor-industry earnings are highly volatile.