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A comment on DOJ compares AAPL share buybacks with R&D as 'evidence' of lack of competition. Parent comment

Re:DOJ compares AAPL share buybacks with R&D as 'evidence' o... by matwood on Wednesday March 27, 2024 @09:17AM (#39838638)
> Why not use that money on more impactful things? Like higher salaries, social programs, or just R&D in general.

Because the money would not be spent on any of those things. Buybacks are a favorite boogeyman, but they are just tax efficient dividends. They certainly give people something to complain about though.

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Re:DOJ compares AAPL share buybacks with R&D as 'evidence' o... by bungeonsBaggins on Wednesday March 27, 2024 @09:27AM (#39838768)
> Buybacks are a favorite boogeyman, but they are just tax efficient dividends.

"Tax-efficient" is weasel language. If the money was spent as dividends it would be taxed and then would benefit someone besides the executive suite and investors. If they were unwilling to pay that tax, then the money would need to be reinvested in the company in the form of higher salaries or R&D. So yes, if buybacks were illegal the money WOULD go to one of these things.

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Re:DOJ compares AAPL share buybacks with R&D as 'evidence' o... by gimmeThaBeet on Wednesday March 27, 2024 @09:43AM (#39838981)
It's not really weasel language, the potential taxable events are limited to the people who are selling their shares back to the company instead of every shareholder.

The potentially taxable dollars are the same (non-withstanding the buyback excise tax), it's just shaped differently.

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