Apple's Share Buyback Program: A Double-Edged Sword for Investors

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has been actively engaged in share buyback programs, with a total of over $450 billion spent since 2012. While these programs can have positive effects on the company's stock price and market capitalization, they also present potential drawbacks that investors should consider.



Share buybacks, also known as share repurchases, involve a company purchasing its own shares from the market. This reduces the number of outstanding shares, which can lead to an increase in earnings per share (EPS) and return on equity (ROE). Apple's share buyback program has indeed contributed to an increase in its EPS and ROE. In 2024, Apple's EPS was $6.08, up from $5.98 in 2023, and its ROE was 37.7%, up from 36.9% in 2023.



However, share buybacks are not without their criticisms. One concern is that companies may use buybacks as a way to manipulate their financials, making their earnings appear higher than they would be without the buyback. Additionally, share buybacks can be seen as a way for management to enrich themselves at the expense of shareholders, as they may use the buyback to drive up the stock price and then sell their own shares.

Another issue is that share buybacks can be a poor use of capital. Instead of buying back shares, companies could invest in research and development, make acquisitions, or pay dividends to shareholders. Apple, for example, has a significant cash balance of $65.17 billion, which could be put to better use than simply buying back shares.



Moreover, share buybacks can be a risky strategy if the company's stock price is high relative to its fundamentals. If the stock price falls after the buyback, the company may end up overpaying for its shares. This is a concern for Apple, as its current P/E ratio of 42.05 is higher than its historical average.

In conclusion, Apple's share buyback program has had a positive impact on the company's EPS and ROE, as well as its stock price and market capitalization. However, investors should be aware of the potential drawbacks of share buybacks, such as financial manipulation, poor capital allocation, and the risk of overpaying for shares. As Apple continues to engage in share buybacks, investors should monitor the company's financials and consider the potential risks and benefits of the program.