The first quarter of 2016 saw more stock buybacks than at any time since late 2007, just before the recession – $166 billion dollars worth according to research firm Factset. The controversial practice is used to drive up a company’s stock prices, but some argue it is done at the cost of a company’s long-term health and rewards shareholders over all other stakeholders in a company. 

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Marketplace’s series, The Price of Profits, takes an in-depth look at the notion of shareholder value and stock buybacks.