What is a Share Repurchase?

A share repurchase refers to a firm buying back its own stock from the marketplace. This action reduces the number of outstanding shares, which can lead to an increase in the value of the remaining shares, as well as potentially improving financial ratios like earnings per share (EPS). Companies may engage in share repurchases for various reasons, including returning excess cash to shareholders, signaling confidence in the company's future prospects, or attempting to counteract dilution from stock option programs. Share repurchases are also a strategic financial tool that can enhance shareholder value.

The other options describe different financial activities. Acquiring another company refers to mergers and acquisitions, which involves the purchase of one company by another. A public offering of new shares involves raising capital by selling new equity to the public, while issuing stocks to new investors entails creating and selling shares to bring in new capital. All these activities serve different purposes in corporate finance but do not represent the process of a company buying back its own shares.