Stock buybacks are expected to decline this year as American companies hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak seek to conserve cash. Government bailouts could limit the total further.

Already, the nation’s eight major banks have said they will suspend their stock-repurchase programs through the second quarter in an effort to support “customers, clients, and the nation’’ amid the pandemic. The move could be followed by other industries, especially those with deeply disrupted businesses such as energy and travel companies.

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