Here is a list of companies that recently announced or expanded stock buyback programs: BJs Wholesale Club Inc. (NYSE: BJ) D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE: DHI) Genenntech Inc. (NYSE: DNA) MGM Mirage Inc. (NYSE: MGG) Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: PTEC) Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) Sun Trust Banks Inc. (NYSE: STI) Swift Transportation Co., Inc. (Nasdaq: SWFT) Although a stock buyback program is often good news for shareholders, it shouldn't be viewed in isolation. It's important to look at the reasons behind the company's buyback decision. For a stock that already looks like a good investment, a buyback announcement could be the push needed to produce index beating returns.