Core Viewpoint - Companies can return value to shareholders primarily through dividends and share buybacks, with both methods impacting shareholder value differently [1] Group 1: General Motors' Shareholder Value Strategy - General Motors announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share and initiated a $6 billion share repurchase program, reflecting a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [4] - Since 2023, General Motors has announced $16 billion in share buyback programs, significantly reducing its shares outstanding and positively impacting its stock price [6][9] - General Motors' total yield, which includes dividends and share buybacks, reaches 11.3%, significantly higher than Ford's total yield of 5.6%, highlighting the effectiveness of its share repurchase strategy [8] Group 2: Market Perception and Comparison - Investors often overlook General Motors due to its lower dividend yield of less than 1%, compared to Ford's yield exceeding 4%, leading to a misperception of GM's value [7] - The trend of share buybacks at General Motors has been consistent, contrasting with Ford's focus on dividends, which may lead to a preference for Ford among yield-seeking investors [7][8] - General Motors' strategy of share repurchases has contributed to a significant increase in its stock price, as the reduction in shares outstanding typically leads to higher value for remaining shares [6][8]