Honda decides to suspend share buybacks after quake

Honda Motor (7267.T) said on Monday it has decided to suspend share buybacks temporarily to preserve funds after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The automaker has said it is aiming for an annual shareholder return of about 30 percent, and its planned dividend of 54 yen per share and share buybacks done last year would bring the return to a little over 20 percent for the year ended in March.

The firm had been expected to carry out additional share repurchases to meet the target, but a company spokeswoman said it decided to put this on hold due to the need for cash to repair facilities damaged by the disaster.

Honda recovery gathering pace (1:01)

May 17 - The recovery in the supply of parts to Honda Motor is gathering pace as the firm looks to bring forward its return to normal production after a March earthquake. Toshi Maeda reports.