Scrutiny of stock buybacks intensifies as Democrat threatens bill

Scrutiny of stock buybacks intensifies as Democrat threatens bill
Maryland senator wants the SEC to make it harder for corporate executives to sell shares right after buyback announcements.
MAR 06, 2019

Buybacks faced fresh political furor Wednesday with Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen threatening to propose legislation that could make it more difficult for executives to sell shares after corporations announce they are repurchasing stock. Maryland's Mr. Van Hollen, speaking to reporters, said he wants the Securities and Exchange Commission to make it harder for corporate insiders to unload stock right after buyback announcements inevitably lead to pops in stock prices. (More: Stock buybacks hit record, but is that a good thing?) If the SEC doesn't take action, Mr. Van Hollen said, he will introduce legislation that directs the regulator to examine its rules around the issue. He cited "startling" research by SEC commissioner Robert Jackson that showed executives sell more stock than normal after buybacks are announced, and that the insiders' selling can hurt long-term investors. "It raises concern that buybacks are a way to maximize executive pay," Mr. Van Hollen told reporters during a press briefing. Such a bill would face long odds of passing the Republican-controlled Senate, though Florida's Marco Rubio has said he wants to crack down on tax benefits companies get from buying back shares. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, has said that buybacks are distorting the market. The SEC's Mr. Jackson has been a frequent critic of corporate executives selling shares after buybacks. (More: Money managers prep for $1.5 trillion in corporate cash)

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline