Share buybacks have once again come under fire. Some companies that were recent buyers of their shares now find themselves in financial distress and seeking bailouts due to economic fallout from the pandemic. Set within this environment and backlash, Apple is scheduled to provide an update next week on its capital return program, including its share buyback program. The announcement will provide clues for how the poster child of responsible share repurchases is financially navigating the pandemic. Buyback Pace Since kicking off its repurchase program in 2013, Apple has spent $327 billion to buy back 2.5 billion shares at an average price of $131 per share. The following exhibit shows Apple's buyback activity on an annual basis: Exhibit 1: Apple Share Buyback Pace (Annual - FY)