French Companies Embrace Record Share Buybacks Amid Taxation Debates

French companies are witnessing a significant rise in share buybacks, with heavy-weight firms collectively spending a record €33 billion last year on repurchasing their own shares from shareholders. This strategic move, aimed at bolstering stock prices and enhancing earnings per share (EPS), reflects a growing trend in financial management among prominent companies like TotalEnergies and BNP Paribas.

Key highlights from the report include:

• Substantial Investment in Buybacks: France’s top companies, fueled by robust profits totaling over €150 billion among the benchmark CAC 40 firms, have allocated substantial funds towards share buybacks. TotalEnergies committed €9 billion and BNP Paribas allocated €5 billion towards buybacks in 2023, underscoring a proactive approach to financial management.
• Benefits of Share Buybacks: Share buybacks allow companies to increase shareholder value without directly distributing dividends. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, buybacks can boost stock prices, increase earnings per share (EPS), and enhance the financial well-being of remaining shareholders.
• Criticism and Taxation Proposals: Despite the benefits, share buybacks have faced criticism for potentially diverting funds that could support broader economic growth and climate initiatives. The UK’s Liberal Democrats advocate for a 4% tax on buybacks to incentivize business investment and public service funding. Similarly, the French government is exploring a retroactive tax of approximately 1% on share buybacks to bolster national revenue.
• Policy Impact: The final decision on the tax proposal will be incorporated into the new finance bill in December, potentially affecting companies from January 2025 if approved. The discussion around share buybacks and taxation highlights broader conversations about profit distribution, corporate responsibility, and public revenue generation.

This growing trend in share buybacks underscores evolving financial strategies among French companies and prompts nuanced discussions within the business and policy communities.

Source: EuroNews