Seoul, Aug. 11 -- Samsung Electronics' surging AI memory profits and growing cash reserves have raised expectations of its first special dividend in six years, putting the spotlight on how much the tech giant could return to shareholders under its next shareholder-return programme, the Korea Herald reported.

Samsung last announced a major special dividend in 2020, distributing 10.7 trillion won in excess cash after completing its previous three-year shareholder-return programme. The company paid a special dividend of 1,578 won per common share, taking the total payout to 2,994 won per share, including the regular annual dividend of 1,416 won.

Park Soon-cheol, Samsung Electronics' chief financial officer, confirmed during the company's s...