The AI (ChatGPT) Dividend Handbook: Dividend History for Apple (AAPL)

Here is the response from ChatGPT for the prompt discuss dividend history AAPL 200 words entered on June 15, 2023.

Apple Inc. (AAPL), one of the world's leading technology companies, has a notable dividend history that reflects its financial strength and commitment to returning value to its shareholders. Apple initiated its dividend program in 2012 after a long hiatus of not paying dividends. Here is a brief discussion of the dividend history of AAPL:

1. Initial Dividend: Apple announced its first dividend in 17 years on March 19, 2012. The quarterly dividend declared was $2.65 per share, and the company initiated a $10 billion share repurchase program.

2. Steady Increases: Since its initial dividend, Apple has consistently raised its dividend on an annual basis. The company has demonstrated its ability to generate substantial cash flow, allowing for regular dividend hikes. The dividend increases have ranged from modest to significant over the years.

3. Dividend Splits: In April 2014, Apple implemented a 7-for-1 stock split, which also adjusted the dividend. The split increased the number of shares outstanding while proportionally reducing the dividend per share. However, the overall dividend payout remained unchanged.

4. Special Dividends: Apart from regular dividend increases, Apple has occasionally rewarded shareholders with special dividends. In February 2013, the company paid a special dividend of $2.65 per share, matching the regular dividend at the time.

5. Current Dividend: As of the knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Apple's most recent dividend was declared on July 27, 2021, at $0.22 per share. However, please note that specific dividend amounts and dates may have changed since then.

Overall, Apple's dividend history showcases the company's commitment to shareholder value and its ability to generate consistent cash flow. The regular dividend increases, occasional special dividends, and stock splits indicate Apple's ongoing success and focus on returning capital to its shareholders.

Dividend Chart of AAPL (From buyupside.com. Not from chatGPT.)

Dividends are from Alpha Vantage.