Apple will soon deliver billions more in cash to investors. Here’s how it stacks up to the rest of Big Tech.

apple is about to send billions more back to shareholders, mostly through buybacks. the company and alphabet have been the most effective at using buybacks to boost earnings per share. apple's cash return program dwarfs most of big tech — it's been the dominant spender on buybacks for years. the strategy works because fewer shares outstanding means each remaining share claims a bigger slice of profit. alphabet has followed a similar playbook, also leaning heavily on repurchases to tighten its share count. the rest of big tech, including microsoft and amazon, have used buybacks too but with less impact on per-share earnings. apple's upcoming payout will add to a track record that already makes it the standout in the group.