Apple Plans Large Buyback and Dividend Boost, Leading Big Tech in Cash Returns

Apple plans a major share buyback and dividend increase ahead of Thursday's earnings, prioritizing shareholder returns over AI spending unlike peers. This follows $110 billion buyback in 2024 and $100 billion in 2025, with $437 billion spent over five years slashing shares by 13.5% and boosting EPS. Over 10 years, Apple cut shares 33.8%, spent $727 billion on buybacks, and delivered 1,042% total return versus S&P 500's 303%. Analysts see buybacks driving demand, contrasting Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta's earlier earnings and AI focus.