Even with tech stocks under pressure in 2025, Big Tech isn't likely to ease up on one of its favorite tools — stock buybacks.
Companies like Apple (AAPL, Financial), Microsoft (MSFT, Financial), and Amazon (AMZN, Financial) are sitting on a combined $500 billion in cash. That kind of cushion means they're not expected to pull back when it comes to buying their own stock. And according to Bloomberg Intelligence's Robert Schiffman, there's “little or no slowdown” in sight.
Alphabet (GOOG, Financial) and Apple are known for announcing new buyback plans around Q1 earnings. Last year, Alphabet rolled out a $70 billion buyback and introduced a dividend. Apple went even bigger, committing $110 billion to repurchases.
Even with heavy investments in AI, these firms are still printing cash. Analysts expect Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia (NVDA, Financial), Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms (META, Financial) to generate nearly $100 billion in free cash flow just in Q1 2025.
Keith Lerner at Truist says buybacks also send a strong message — that companies believe in their own long-term value. With that kind of confidence and capital, Big Tech isn't just weathering the downturn. It's leaning in.
