ProShares Launches the First ETF Targeting Companies with a Sustained History of Share Buybacks

ProShares S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats ETF (BUYB) offers investors exposure to companies that have repeatedly returned capital through share repurchases — a group that has historically tended to outperform other companies.¹ 

BETHESDA, Md. — ProShares, a premier provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of the ProShares S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats ETF (BUYB). BUYB is the first and only ETF that invests exclusively in companies with a persistent record of buying back their stock.  

The fund seeks to track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats Index, which is designed to identify S&P 500 companies that have demonstrated a consistent, long-term commitment to share repurchases. These are companies that have reduced their shares outstanding through buybacks for at least 10 consecutive years. BUYB focuses on sustained capital return rather than short-term buyback activity, the approach of existing buyback ETFs.  

“BUYB provides a differentiated way to access high-quality companies with a sustained commitment to share buybacks,” said ProShares CEO Michael L. Sapir. “Ten consecutive years of share buybacks is an exceptional achievement that reflects disciplined capital management, strong fundamentals, and a shareholder-focused approach.”  

Companies with a sustained history of buybacks have historically tended to outperform other companies.¹ Only 64 companies—about 13% of the S&P 500—meet the index’s criteria, underscoring the rarity of sustained buyback discipline. These companies span a diverse set of sectors such as industrials, financials, and consumer discretionary. 

“The S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats identifies companies with a sustained record of share repurchases, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation and a track record of enhancing shareholder returns over time. This index represents a new generation of buyback strategies, and we’re pleased to expand our collaboration with ProShares and extend the Aristocrats franchise,” said Cameron Drinkwater, Chief Product Officer, S&P Dow Jones Indices. 

About ProShares
ProShares has been at the forefront of the ETF revolution since 2006, offering one of the industry’s largest ETF lineups. ProShares, together with its mutual fund affiliate, ProFunds, manages more than $100 billion in assets.² The company is a leader in strategies such as dividend growth, high income, interest rate hedged bond, crypto and geared (leveraged and inverse) ETF investing. ProShares continues to innovate with products that provide strategic and tactical opportunities for investors to manage risk and enhance returns.   

To learn more about the company and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn or at ProShares.com.