Top Low-Wage Employers Spent $522 Billion on Stock Buybacks

Report reveals companies prioritized stock repurchases over employee wages and capital investments from 2019 to 2023.

Lowe's and Home Depot led buybacks, spending $42.6 billion and $37.2 billion respectively.
The median pay for workers at these companies remains significantly low, with Home Depot at $35,131 and Lowe's at $32,626.
Critics argue that the funds could have been used for substantial employee bonuses or retirement contributions.
The report highlights a growing gap between CEO compensation and worker pay, with ratios as high as 2,100 to 1.
Legislation has been proposed to restrict and tax stock buybacks to address income inequality.