Critics say buybacks can be used to artificially boost metrics that boost executive pay
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The Securities and Exchange Commission approved a new rule Wednesday requiring companies to disclose data on stock buyback activity that will give investors new insight into whether issuers are buying back stock in order to boost executive compensation or otherwise game financial metrics.
The rule calls for companies to disclose share daily buyback activity, including the average price paid per share, the total number of shares purchased and the number of shares yet to be purchased as part of a publicly announced plan.
…