Already this year, U.S. companies have authorized $504 billion of share repurchases

Companies’ eagerness to buy their own shares has been credited with helping drive the 11-year bull market that ended last year. 

Between 2010 and the end of 2019, S&P 500 companies poured nearly $5.3 trillion into the stock market through share repurchases

WSJ 16 May 2021

https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-flush-with-cashand-ready-to-pad-shareholder-pockets-11621157406

Companies already announced  $800 billion planned stock buybacks

 After last year’s record of almost $1.2 trillion

MarketWatch 12 August 2022

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/stock-buybacks-near-800-billion-this-year-after-hitting-all-time-record-11660333956

In 2016, total corporate debt increased by $717 billion, net investment in plant and equipment fell by $21 billion. 

Where did the money go? Buybacks and dividend payouts

https://internetional.se/shares2016.htm#1801bb

Profits GONE as Debt Used For Record High Stock Buybacks

The Money GPS 19 May 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlwIPEZGdI