Share Repurchases
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To boost earnings per share (EPS): When a company repurchases shares, it reduces the number of outstanding shares, which in turn increases the EPS. This can make the company's financial performance appear stronger and boost the stock price. -
To return excess cash to shareholders: Companies that have a large amount of cash on hand may choose to repurchase shares as a way to return that cash to shareholders. Share buybacks can be seen as a way of distributing dividends without actually paying them out. -
To improve the company's capital structure: By buying back shares, a company can reduce its outstanding share count, which in turn can improve its capital structure by reducing the number of shares outstanding. This can make the company more attractive to investors and boost its stock price. -
To signal confidence in the company: When a company repurchases its own shares, it is essentially saying that it believes the shares are undervalued and that it is confident in the company's future prospects. This can signal to investors that management believes in the company and can boost investor confidence.