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GM's stock buyback program has had a significant impact on its shareholders. The company repurchased 275 million shares between 2015 and 2019, reducing the total number of outstanding shares by 10%.
This reduction in shares has led to an increase in the value of each remaining share, benefiting long-term investors. GM's stock price rose by 25% during the same period.
Shareholders who sold their shares during this time missed out on potential gains. Those who held onto their shares, however, saw a significant increase in their investment's value.
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GM Stock Buyback History
GM repurchased the highest number of shares in fiscal year 2023, amounting to 245 million.
GM's spending on share repurchase has ranged from $100 million to as much as $7.9 billion since 2015, with the highest amount spent in fiscal year 2023.
Between fiscal years 2018 and 2021, GM spent the least on share buybacks, a period when its stock prices were at their lowest. GM's stock prices were significantly depressed during this time.
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GM suspended its share buyback in 2021, but resumed the buyback in 2022. GM halted its cash dividends in 2021 due to a specified amount being exceeded on one of its credit facilities.
GM repurchased the fewest shares from fiscal year 2018 to 2021, with some years showing no share repurchase activity at all.
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GM Stock Repurchases
GM's stock buyback history is a fascinating topic. GM repurchased the highest number of shares in fiscal year 2023, a staggering 245 million.
In the past, GM has been inconsistent with its share buyback efforts. Between fiscal years 2018 and 2021, GM repurchased the fewest shares, with some years showing no share repurchase activity at all.
GM's spending on share repurchase has ranged from $100 million to a whopping $7.9 billion since 2015. In fiscal year 2023, GM spent $7.9 billion on buybacks, marking the highest amount spent on share repurchases in the past nine years.
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GM's board approved another $6 billion share repurchase in June 2024, adding to its 2024 momentum. This follows a $10 billion share buyback authorization in November of the previous year.
GM's shares rose 1.4% to $48.21 after the announcement, and are up about 34% since the beginning of 2024. The company has also raised its dividend to 12 cents per share from the previous 9 cents per share.
GM's share buyback efforts have been poorly timed in the past, especially during periods when its stock prices were at their lowest. Between fiscal years 2018 and 2021, GM spent the least on share buybacks, a period when its stock prices were significantly depressed.
GM's spending on share repurchases has been significant, with a cumulative spending of over $100 million since 2015. The company's cumulative spending on common stock repurchase is likely to continue increasing in the future.
GM's share buybacks can offer various benefits, including an increase in share value, a signal of confidence, and tax efficiency for shareholders. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, buybacks can increase the value of the remaining shares, making the stock more attractive to investors.
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Shares Outstanding
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GM's number of outstanding shares has reduced significantly since fiscal year 2015, with a slight increase between 2017 and 2021 due to the suspension of share buybacks during the COVID period.
As of fiscal year 2023, GM's common stock outstanding was estimated at 1.15 billion, a sharp drop from the 1.40 billion shares outstanding reported in the previous year.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares through buybacks can increase the value of the remaining shares, making the stock more attractive to investors.
By buying back shares, GM can signal to investors that its management believes the stock is undervalued and has strong future prospects, boosting investor confidence.
For shareholders, buybacks can be more tax-efficient than dividends, as capital gains taxes on selling shares can be lower than income taxes on dividends, depending on the investor's tax situation.
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GM Stock Buyback Spending
GM's spending on share repurchase has ranged from $100 million to as much as $7.9 billion since 2015. In fiscal year 2023, GM spent $7.9 billion on buybacks, marking the highest amount spent on share repurchases in the past nine years.
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GM's cumulative spending on share buybacks since fiscal year 2015 has reached $21.1 billion as of fiscal year 2023. This is a significant amount, and it shows that GM has been actively buying back its shares over the years.
GM approved another $6 billion share repurchase in June 2024, following a $10 billion share buyback authorization in November 2023. This shows that GM is committed to buying back its shares and supporting its stock price.
GM spent the least on share buybacks between fiscal years 2018 and 2021, when its stock prices were at their lowest. This was a missed opportunity for GM to repurchase more shares and boost its stock price.
In fiscal year 2023, GM repurchased the highest number of shares, amounting to 245 million. This is a significant increase from previous years and shows that GM is actively reducing its outstanding shares.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a share repurchase and a dividend?
Share repurchases involve a company buying back its own shares, while dividends involve distributing profits to shareholders in cash or additional stock. The key difference lies in how companies use their profits to reward investors
Did the GM Board approve a new $6 billion stock buyback?
Yes, the GM Board approved a $6 billion stock buyback program. This new program is part of ongoing efforts to please shareholders.
Sources
- https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2022/08/19/gm-reinstate-dividend-resume-stock-buybacks/7836829001/
- https://stockdividendscreener.com/auto-manufacturers/general-motors-stock-buyback-history/
- https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-share-repurchase-buyback-auto-sales-0a7914fed659b165d727c20e8e727ef1
- https://www.automotivedive.com/news/gm-board-approves-6billion-share-stock-buyback-/718625/
- https://www.tradingview.com/news/barchart:cabc5fcd7094b:0-gm-stock-wait-and-see-or-buy-the-dip/
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