How many outstanding shares does Apple have? This is a question that often comes up in discussions about the tech giant’s financial health and market capitalization. As of the latest available data, Apple has a significant number of outstanding shares, which plays a crucial role in determining its market value and investor sentiment.
Apple Inc., one of the world’s most valuable companies, has seen its share count grow over the years as the company has expanded its operations and product lines. The number of outstanding shares is a key metric that investors and analysts closely monitor, as it directly impacts the company’s earnings per share (EPS) and overall profitability.
As of the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, Apple had approximately 18.8 billion outstanding shares. This figure includes all the shares that are currently held by investors, excluding any shares that may be held in escrow or restricted stock units (RSUs). The number of outstanding shares can fluctuate over time due to various factors, such as stock splits, share buybacks, and employee stock options.
One of the most significant factors that affect the number of outstanding shares is stock buybacks. Apple has been a major buyer of its own stock, which has helped boost its EPS and increase shareholder value. In recent years, the company has spent billions of dollars on share repurchases, which have reduced the overall number of outstanding shares. For instance, in 2020, Apple spent approximately $31 billion on share buybacks, which resulted in a decrease of about 1.5 billion shares.
Another factor that can impact the number of outstanding shares is stock splits. In 2014, Apple conducted a 7-for-1 stock split, which effectively increased the number of outstanding shares while reducing the price per share. This move was aimed at making the stock more accessible to a broader range of investors. As a result, the number of outstanding shares increased from around 5.7 billion to approximately 40 billion after the split.
The number of outstanding shares also has implications for the company’s market capitalization. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the number of outstanding shares by the current market price of the stock. As of the time of writing, Apple’s market capitalization is over $2 trillion, making it the highest-valued company in the world. This impressive figure is a testament to the company’s strong financial performance and the confidence investors have in its future prospects.
In conclusion, the number of outstanding shares is a critical factor in understanding Apple’s financial health and market value. With approximately 18.8 billion outstanding shares, Apple continues to be a dominant force in the tech industry. As the company grows and evolves, investors will undoubtedly keep a close eye on its share count and its impact on its EPS and market capitalization.
