The question of whether North American life insurers should stop prioritizing share buybacks is a complex and debated issue. Here are some arguments both for and against prioritizing share buybacks:

Arguments in Favor of Prioritizing Share Buybacks:

1. Shareholder Value: Share buybacks can be seen as a way to return value to shareholders. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, earnings per share (EPS) may increase, potentially boosting the stock price. This can benefit investors, including policyholders who may hold shares in the company.
2. Capital Management: Life insurers, like any other businesses, need to manage their capital efficiently. If a company has excess capital that cannot be profitably deployed in its core operations, returning it to shareholders through buybacks can make sense.
3. Market Confidence: Announcing share buybacks can signal confidence to the market. It demonstrates that the company believes its stock is undervalued and that it has a plan to generate long-term value.

Arguments Against Prioritizing Share Buybacks:

1. Policyholder Interests: Life insurers have a fiduciary responsibility to policyholders, who are the primary stakeholders in the business. Prioritizing share buybacks over ensuring the long-term financial health of the company could potentially harm policyholders’ interests.
2. Risk Exposure: Using capital for share buybacks reduces the insurer’s capital cushion. In the event of unexpected financial shocks or a need to pay out large claims, having a strong capital position is crucial for the company’s stability.
3. Short-Term Focus: Share buybacks can sometimes be criticized for encouraging a short-term focus on boosting stock prices, potentially at the expense of long-term strategic investments, such as product innovation or technology upgrades.
4. Regulatory Scrutiny: Regulators may closely monitor share buyback programs to ensure they don’t undermine financial stability. Excessive buybacks could attract regulatory attention and potential restrictions.

In conclusion, whether North American life insurers should prioritize share buybacks depends on various factors, including their financial position, the needs and expectations of policyholders, regulatory environment, and long-term strategic goals. Striking the right balance between returning value to shareholders and ensuring the financial health of the company is a key challenge for insurers and their boards of directors. Ultimately, the decision should align with the insurer’s broader mission and responsibilities to policyholders and shareholders.