Share Buybacks

Share buybacks, also known as share repurchases, refer to the process whereby a company purchases its own outstanding shares from the market. This action reduces the number of shares available to the public, effectively increasing the ownership percentage of remaining shareholders. Companies might initiate buybacks for several reasons, including returning capital to shareholders, enhancing earnings per share (EPS), or signaling confidence in the company’s financial health. By decreasing the total share count, the remaining shares may realize an increase in value, benefiting shareholders. Buybacks can also be a strategic move to offset dilution from employee stock options or to use excess cash when there are limited attractive investment opportunities.