3 Companies Leading the Charge With Bold Stock Buybacks

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When Management Buys, You Should Pay Attention

Ever wonder why companies buy back their own stock instead of just paying higher dividends?

It’s simple: they think their stock is cheap and due for a rebound.

While dividends are nice, they get taxed twice and take money out of the company.

Stock buybacks, on the other hand, signal confidence and create more value for investors.

Today, three companies are flexing their financial muscles with aggressive stock buybacks: Etsy (ETSY), Kroger (KR), and Marathon Petroleum (MPC).

Let’s break down why they’re making these moves and why you should take note.

1) Etsy: Betting Big on Global Reach

Etsy’s stock has seen better days, trading at just 66% of its 52-week high.

But instead of sulking, Etsy’s management approved a $1 billion stock buyback program.

Why now?

Analysts at Morgan Stanley believe the U.S. dollar is heading lower.

For Etsy, a weaker dollar means foreign buyers get more bang for their buck.

That’s huge for a platform that connects global buyers and sellers.

Wall Street is starting to take notice, too.

Truist Financial analysts recently gave Etsy a Buy rating with a $70 price target.

That’s a potential 19% upside from where the stock trades today.

Institutional investors are also piling in.

Pacer Advisors boosted their holdings by 183.9%, bringing their position to $331 million.

Clearly, insiders and big money see Etsy bouncing back.

2) Kroger: A Defensive Powerhouse at Its Peak

Kroger is the ultimate defensive stock.

When markets get shaky, people still need groceries, and that’s why consumer staples like Kroger stay in demand.

Despite trading at its 52-week high, Kroger’s management approved a massive $7.5 billion stock buyback.

What does that tell us?

They see even more upside ahead.

Wells Fargo agrees.

Their analysts reiterated an Overweight rating with a price target of $73 per share.

That’s another 18% potential rally.

And it’s not just management who’s bullish.

State Street boosted its holdings by 16% to a hefty $1.9 billion position.

When both insiders and institutions are this confident, it’s worth paying attention.

3) Marathon Petroleum: Oil, Rebounds, and a Buffett-Style Move

Energy stocks are back in the spotlight, and Marathon Petroleum is leading the way.

Morgan Stanley’s call for a weaker dollar could boost U.S. exports and, in turn, drive up demand for oil.

Marathon is ready.

Management announced a $5 billion stock buyback program, betting on continued strength in oil prices (currently around $70 a barrel).

What’s even more exciting? Earnings growth.

Wall Street projects Marathon will post $7.48 EPS in Q1 2025 – a nearly tenfold increase compared to its peers.

Wells Fargo analysts set a new price target of $186 per share, signaling a potential 30% upside.

If Warren Buffett’s massive oil investments tell us anything, it’s this: energy stocks still have room to run, and Marathon is a standout.

Time to Take Action

These companies aren’t just buying back stock for fun.

They’re sending a clear signal: their stocks are undervalued.

Etsy, Kroger, and Marathon Petroleum each offer unique upside potential in a shifting market.

Are you ready to follow the insiders?

What’s Next for You?

1. Which of these companies do you think has the best rebound potential – Etsy, Kroger, or Marathon?

2. Do you plan to add any of them to your portfolio?

3. Let me know in the comments or share this post with your investing friends!

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