Woori Financial Group’s American depositary shares are trading higher as investors focus on stepped-up shareholder returns, highlighted by a KRW 200 billion treasury-share buyback program with an intent to cancel acquired shares, shrinking the share count and supporting per-share metrics. Momentum is also supported by management’s stated aim to raise 2026 dividends by at least 10% and increase buybacks, extending a capital-return theme that has been driving interest in Korean financial holding companies.

The buyback-and-cancel structure is particularly supportive because it reduces outstanding shares rather than simply warehousing treasury stock. Woori’s board has outlined a plan to acquire shares over a defined window and then cancel them upon completion, a setup that can mechanically improve earnings per share and capital efficiency if profits hold up.

Woori recently reported 2025 net profit attributable to controlling interests of KRW 3.124 trillion and paired that with shareholder-return messaging, including a commitment to lift dividends in 2026 and expand buybacks. Separately, the company has also provided specific dividend resolutions for shareholders, keeping income-focused buyers engaged as total-return expectations rise.