Over the first eight months of 2026 (8M26), more than 70 primary-listed companies in Singapore collectively repurchased S$2.09 billion worth of shares on the open market, up from S$1.57 billion in 8M25 and S$855 million in 8M24. Companies repurchase shares to support employee compensation plans or deploy surplus capital more effectively. ACRA notes that buybacks can enhance key financial metrics such as Earnings per Share (EPS) and Return on Equity (ROE), take advantage of perceived undervaluation and reduce the overall cost of capital. 1. $Singtel(Z74.SI)$ Buyback activity in 2026 remained concentrated among the largest issuers, with $Singtel(Z74.SI)$ accounting for S$948.6 million, or ar