RE: Debt & equity financing28 Apr 2024 09:19
Share buy backs are a multi faceted tactic.
It reduces the number of shares in issue. This should recalculate the value by spreading the same market cap over a lesser number of shares.
It uses some profit that would otherwise be available for dividends/investment in the business. This is tempered by the expected increase in value of the remaining shares.
I do not have enough knowledge to gauge if there is any tax benefit (or cost) to the company, but for PI's it will exchange some (taxable) dividend income for (only taxable if realised) capital gains.
It may have an effect on liquidity. Assuming that the II's generally see buybacks as positive and hold onto (even increase) their holdings, then the buybacks have to come from the market, thereby reducing the number of shares in the (more liquid) pool of private investors. This, in turn, can feed into increased value. Of course, if the company can negotiate a block purchase from an II, then this may well increase liquidity and reduce value.
Consideration should be given for a consolidation before a buyback scheme is implemented.
Generally, I would love a defined buyback scheme being introduced. it would encourage me to (at least) hold and likely to increase my holding.