Samsung Electronics sparks dividend debate after big worker bonus

By Miyoung Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, the world's largest smartphone maker, has reignited shareholder calls for more returns after splashing out on a special employee bonus estimated at nearly $1 billion. The arch rival of Apple Inc drew on its $50 billion cash pile to mark 20 years of transformation into Asia's most valuable company - just two months after investors criticized it for not spending enough to increase its dividend yield. The bonus, to commemorate Chairman Lee Kun-hee's "New Management" strategy, hit October-December operating profit which Samsung said likely fell 6 percent on year and 18 percent from a record third quarter to 8.3 trillion won ($7.8 billion).

via Tech News Headlines - Yahoo News http://news.yahoo.com/samsung-electronics-fourth-quarter-guidance-widely-misses-street-011053699--sector.html