RE:RE:RE:RE:$5.27 buying back shares doesn't increase the intrinsic value of the company and frequently only serves to benefit insiders not general shareholders. A buy back is not a definite return. The share price can drop and you are left holding the bag whereas a dividend is tangible.
This article contains some good points in the debate vs buybacks vs dividends.
https://www.dividend.com/dividend-education/dividends-vs-share-buybacks-its-a-no-brainer/