[Breaking] SK hynix to Buy Back 40 Trillion Won in Shares, Says It Will Boost Shareholder Value Through Cancellation
SK hynix plans to buy back and cancel 40 trillion won ($30.5 billion) in shares, about 3.3% of its outstanding shares, starting July 20. The company believes its market price undervalues its intrinsic worth and aims to return over 50% of cumulative free cash flow from 2025-2027 through buybacks, cancellations, and dividends. As of Q2 2024, its net cash stood at 69 trillion won. The buyback is the largest share cancellation in South Korea's history, according to the company.
How this was made
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The 30-second read
Why it matters
The buyback aligns with its shareholder return policy and may improve valuation.
Market read
First disclosure of a massive buyback, likely to influence stock price and sector sentiment.
What to watch
Potential impact of currency fluctuations on the effective size of the buyback.
Background
SK hynix leads AI memory market and has strong cash generation.
Ticker impact
SK hynix announced a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation, the largest in South Korea.
moderate upside over the next few weeks as shares are retired.
Large scale (3.3% of float) and cancellation reduces supply, supporting price.
Market effects
Strengthens the Korean semiconductor sector outlook.
May boost broader KOSPI sentiment.
Limited, but signals confidence in AI memory market.
Counterpoint
Buyback could be a defensive move amid slowing demand for memory chips.
Key entities
- companySK hynix
South Korean semiconductor manufacturer.


