Woori Financial Group’s ADS (WF) is higher in U.S. trading as investors reprice the stock around a clearer dividend roadmap and an unusual dividend tax treatment. A recent filing states the company will pay a KRW 220 per common share cash dividend that is funded via a reduction of capital reserve and conversion to retained earnings, making it not treated as dividend income under Korea’s Income Tax Act or Corporate Tax Act and thus not taxable income in Korea.

Beyond the dividend mechanics, Woori has also pre-determined 2026 quarterly dividend record dates and expected payment timing, which can reduce uncertainty for income-focused investors in the ADS. The stated 2026 record dates include May 11 (Q1), August 10 (Q2), and November 10 (Q3), with expected payment dates of May 29, August 31, and November 30, subject to coordination with relevant institutions.

The move comes shortly after Woori reported first-quarter 2026 results showing net profit of KRW 603 billion, down about 2% year over year and below consensus expectations cited in local reporting, while revenue rose sharply and noninterest income increased. The combination of softer profit growth with an emphasis on capital returns and dividend predictability is keeping investor focus on payout policy rather than near-term margin pressure.