Changes in net income don't necessarily mean more money around, it probably involves an increase in costs too. Net profit is what to focus on.

And a "50 cent" raise is per hour per employee per year so for 1000 employees every 50 cents is $1 million per year. Obviously still small compared to a $100 million buyback.

There's an argument to make here but this post specifically is not a particularly good example of it.