trading is zero sum. The investor that sold the share would of sold the same share to another investor. The company isn't buying stock above market price (thus adding value to the system).
The company may stock buy back directly from employee's RSUs, which are taxed as income.
> The company isn't buying stock above market price (thus adding value to the system).
That’s not how this works. Where is this focus on “adding value”? What the hell does that even mean?
Just take this to its logical conclusion: let’s say a company buys back 100% of its shares. In this case they have returned a ton of capital to investors very tax efficiently, and price will converge on whatever price the very last seller is willing to sell at.
The company may stock buy back directly from employee's RSUs, which are taxed as income.