Woori Financial (WF) confirms high-dividend status and outlines non-taxable payouts
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Woori Financial Group Inc. has determined that it qualifies as a “high dividend company” under Article 104-27 of Korea’s Act on Restriction on Special Cases Concerning Taxation, aligning with its 2026 Corporate Value Enhancement Plan. For 2025, the dividend payout ratio was 32.0%, with dividends totaling KRW 998,467,866,200, up from KRW 891,045,067,200 in 2024, a 12.1% dividend growth rate.
The company explains that this determination relies on guidance from the Korea Exchange and the Ministry of Finance and Economy and could change if authorities revise their interpretation. It also notes that, starting with its 2025 year-end dividends, it is paying non-taxable dividends sourced from capital reserves, which are not treated as dividend income for most shareholders under Korean income and corporate tax law. Large Korean resident shareholders may face limits based on the book value of their shares.
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Insights
Woori secures high-dividend status with growing, partly non-taxable payouts.
Woori Financial Group confirms it meets Korea’s “high dividend company” criteria, supported by a KRW 998,467,866,200 dividend for 2025 and a 32.0% payout ratio. The 12.1% dividend increase from 2024 signals a deliberate focus on shareholder returns within its 2026 Corporate Value Enhancement Plan.
The company also highlights that part of its dividends are “non-taxable” under Article 461-2 of the Commercial Act, because they are sourced from capital reserves and transferred to retained earnings. This treatment applies generally, while certain large Korean resident shareholders face limits tied to the book value of their holdings.
The tax position is based on existing Korea Exchange guidelines and a Ministry of Finance and Economy response. If interpretations change, Woori plans to update the market through later disclosures, so subsequent communications will clarify any impact on dividend taxation and perceived attractiveness for income-focused holders.