Since the Great Recession, share buybacks have surpassed dividends in their contribution to shareholder return but they remain surprisingly controversial. In discussion of the new 1% buyback tax, Mark Cuban criticized buybacks as favoring departing shareholders who get a one-time cash pop, which is taxed partially as cap gains.
Dislike Buybacks? Buffett Begs To Differ And So Do Shareholders Of Travelers, Apple And McDonald's