Woori Financial ADS jumps as dividend record date and buyback cancellation stay in focus
Woori Financial Group’s U.S.-listed ADS rose as investors continued to price in the company’s stepped-up shareholder returns, including a FY2025 year-end dividend and a KRW 200 billion share buyback/cancellation plan. The board set Feb. 27, 2026 as the dividend record date, highlighting a capital-return focus that can lift per-share value.
1) What’s moving WF today
Woori Financial Group’s NYSE-listed ADS (WF) moved higher in U.S. trading, with market chatter centered on shareholder-return actions announced for FY2025—specifically a year-end dividend and a sizable buyback/cancellation plan. The stock’s move appears consistent with investors re-rating the name on capital-return visibility rather than reacting to a new U.S. macro headline.
2) Dividend and record-date details investors are keying on
The company’s board approved a FY2025 year-end cash dividend of KRW 760 per common share and set February 27, 2026 as the record date for eligibility, with the dividend subject to audit completion and annual meeting approval. Separately, the depositary program notice for the ADS also shows February 27, 2026 as the ADR record date, while the ADR payable date is still listed as to be announced.
3) Buyback/cancellation as an incremental tailwind
Alongside dividends, investors have been focused on Woori’s buyback-and-cancellation framework. The board approved the cancellation of treasury shares tied to a KRW 200 billion retirement amount, a step that reduces share count and can mechanically support per-share metrics over time.
4) What to watch next
Near-term attention is on the remaining calendar specifics—most importantly the payable dates and final translated cash amount for ADS holders once the ordinary payment details are finalized. Investors will also watch for updates on the timing and completion of the KRW 200 billion buyback-related cancellation and any further guidance on shareholder-return levels beyond FY2025.