SK㈜ maximizes shareholder value by canceling 14.69 million treasury shares

SK Corporation repurchases and cancels shares to enhance shareholder value. According to this resolution, approximately 14.69 million shares, about 20% of the company’s total issued shares, will be canceled. This move is seen as a strategy to increase stock scarcity by removing about 5.1 trillion won worth of shares from the market, thereby boosting shareholder value.

The canceled shares include treasury stocks repurchased to improve shareholder value and treasury stocks obtained during previous corporate structure improvements. For example, some treasury stocks repurchased during the 2015 merger with SK C&C to simplify governance are included. This measure particularly leverages the revised Commercial Act, which allows the cancellation of treasury stocks acquired for specific purposes solely by board resolution.

Over the past two years, SK has strengthened its financial statements through active business restructuring, which provided a significant backdrop for the decision to repurchase and cancel shares. Its financial stability has markedly improved, with net borrowings decreasing from 10.5 trillion won at the end of 2024 to 8.4 trillion won in the third quarter of 2025. Correspondingly, the debt ratio has stabilized, dropping from 86.3% to 77.4%.

The company’s shareholder-friendly policies are also reflected in its dividend strategy, with SK increasing dividends paid to shareholders by 14% compared to last year. The annual dividend amount has been set at 8,000 won, which is expected to position SK as a high-dividend company.

SK’s decision to repurchase and cancel shares is viewed as a reflection of its transparent, shareholder-oriented management philosophy and is expected to set a positive precedent in the domestic capital market. Future efforts to enhance shareholder value are expected to continue, with related additional decisions to be confirmed at the shareholders’ meeting.