股票回购（Stock repurchases）和派发股息（Dividend distributions）有什么相同点和不同点？

中文版

股票回购和派发股息是公司将利润返还给股东的两种主要方式，二者各有优缺点。下面是它们的相同之处和不同之处，并通过具体公司数据进行说明。

相同之处

股东回报：股票回购和派发股息都是公司向股东返还利润的一种方式。股东从中受益，无论是通过现金股息还是通过股票回购后的每股收益提升。
影响股东权益：两者都会影响股东权益。股息直接增加股东的现金流，而股票回购则会减少公司流通股数量，从而提高每股收益（EPS）。
财务健康：公司进行股票回购或派发股息通常表明公司财务健康，有足够的现金流和利润来进行这些操作。

不同之处

股东收入形式：
- 派发股息：股东直接收到现金分红。这对需要现金流的投资者特别有利。
- 股票回购：公司购买并注销自己的股票，减少流通股数量。股东并没有直接收到现金，但持有股票的价值可能会上升。
税务影响：
- 派发股息：股息通常需要缴纳所得税，这会直接减少股东的实际收益。
- 股票回购：股东无需直接缴税，但如果因回购股票导致股票价格上涨，股东在卖出股票时可能会面临资本利得税。
长期影响：
- 派发股息：股东每年都能获得稳定的现金流，但公司现金减少可能影响长期投资能力。
- 股票回购：减少流通股数量，提高每股收益，从而可能提升股票价值，但这也意味着公司减少了可用于扩展或投资的现金。

具体公司数据示例

以苹果公司（Apple Inc.）为例：

苹果公司的股票回购

2018年：苹果公司宣布了一项高达1000亿美元的股票回购计划。苹果公司的股票回购提高了每股收益（EPS），从而增加了股票的市场价值。在2018年，苹果的每股收益为11.91美元，而股票回购之后的股票价格也得到了相应的提升。

苹果公司的股息派发

2018年：苹果公司也宣布了每股2.92美元的年度股息。股东直接收到现金分红，这对那些依赖股息收入的投资者是有利的。

通过这两个数据，我们可以看到：

股票回购：苹果在2018年的大规模股票回购提升了每股收益，提高了股票市场价值。虽然公司现金减少，但股东的每股持有价值增加。
股息派发：同年，苹果派发的股息直接增加了股东的现金流，但同时公司也减少了一部分现金储备。

结论

股票回购和派发股息都是有效的股东回报方式，选择哪种方式取决于公司战略和股东偏好。对于希望获得现金流的股东，股息派发是较好的选择；而对于希望通过公司长期增长来获得更高回报的股东，股票回购可能是更好的选择。通过具体公司如苹果的例子，可以更直观地看到两者的影响和差异。

英文版

Stock repurchases and dividend distributions are two primary ways for companies to return profits to shareholders, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are their similarities and differences, illustrated with specific company data.

Similarities

Shareholder Returns: Both stock repurchases and dividend distributions are methods for companies to return profits to shareholders. Shareholders benefit from these returns, either through cash dividends or through increased earnings per share (EPS) after stock repurchases.
Impact on Shareholder Equity: Both actions affect shareholder equity. Dividends provide immediate cash flow to shareholders, while stock repurchases reduce the number of outstanding shares, thereby increasing EPS.
Financial Health: Companies that engage in stock repurchases or dividend distributions typically indicate financial health, with sufficient cash flow and profits to undertake these actions.

Differences

Form of Shareholder Income:
- Dividend Distribution: Shareholders receive cash dividends directly. This is particularly beneficial for investors who need cash flow.
- Stock Repurchase: The company buys back and cancels its own shares, reducing the number of outstanding shares. Shareholders do not receive direct cash but may see an increase in the value of their shares.
Tax Implications:
- Dividend Distribution: Dividends are usually subject to income tax, directly reducing shareholders’ actual returns.
- Stock Repurchase: Shareholders do not face immediate tax implications. However, if the stock price rises due to repurchases, shareholders might incur capital gains tax when they sell their shares.
Long-term Impact:
- Dividend Distribution: Provides shareholders with a steady cash flow annually, but reduces the company’s cash, potentially affecting its ability to invest in long-term growth.
- Stock Repurchase: Reduces the number of outstanding shares and increases EPS, potentially boosting the stock’s value. However, it also means the company has less cash available for expansion or investment.

Specific Company Data Example

Using Apple Inc. as an example:

Apple’s Stock Repurchase

2018: Apple announced a stock repurchase plan worth up to $100 billion. This buyback increased Apple’s EPS, thereby boosting the stock’s market value. In 2018, Apple’s EPS was $11.91, and the stock price rose as a result of the buyback.

Apple’s Dividend Distribution

2018: Apple also declared an annual dividend of $2.92 per share. Shareholders received direct cash dividends, benefiting those who rely on dividend income.

From these data points, we can observe:

Stock Repurchase: Apple’s large-scale buyback in 2018 increased EPS and stock market value. Although the company’s cash decreased, the value per share held by shareholders increased.
Dividend Distribution: In the same year, Apple’s dividend distribution directly increased shareholders’ cash flow, while also reducing the company’s cash reserves.

Conclusion

Both stock repurchases and dividend distributions are effective ways to return value to shareholders. The choice between them depends on the company’s strategy and shareholder preferences. For shareholders seeking cash flow, dividend distributions are preferable. For those looking for higher returns through long-term company growth, stock repurchases may be more advantageous. Using Apple’s example, we can see more clearly the impacts and differences between the two methods.