Analysis of Benzinga’s 2026 Share Buyback Stock Recommendations (AAPL, QCOM, HD)

This analysis is based on the Benzinga article published on December 12, 2025, which highlighted three large-cap stocks—Apple (AAPL), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Home Depot (HD)—with planned share buybacks for 2026, framed as a shareholder reward and confidence signal [1]. On the day of publication, AAPL closed at $278.10 (+0.11%), outperforming major indices, driven by iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2 updates that overshadowed a data security vulnerability story [2]. QCOM closed at $179.63 (-0.90%), underperforming the Dow Jones but slightly outperforming the NASDAQ; positive developments (acquisition of RISC-V server chip maker Ventana Microsystems and new Snapdragon chip launches) were offset by broader market declines [3]. HD closed at $357.62 (-0.46%), underperforming the Dow Jones but outperforming the NASDAQ, weighed down by a year-long security lapse and a $2M theft ring bust [4].

Key metrics from the Ginlix Analytical Database [0] show: AAPL has a $4.11T market cap, +14.04% YTD, 37.11x P/E, 26.92% net profit margin, and a $300.00 buy target (+7.9%). QCOM has a $191.86B market cap, +16.60% YTD, 35.43x P/E, 12.51% net profit margin, and a $192.50 buy target (+7.5%). HD has a $355.41B market cap, -8.07% YTD, 24.33x P/E, 8.77% net profit margin, and a $408.50 buy target (+14.4%). All three have analyst consensus “BUY” ratings [0].

1. AAPL’s strong net profit margin (26.92%) and prior buyback activity (~$107B from 2024-2025) indicate it has the cash flow to support 2026 buybacks [0][1].
2. QCOM’s buyback strategy aligns with its AI chip growth initiatives (acquisition of Ventana Microsystems), positioning it to enhance shareholder value amid industry competition [1][3].
3. HD has a 10-year track record of reducing share count by 35% via buybacks, but its current pause (to focus on debt and dividends) and negative YTD performance (linked to security issues) warrant closer monitoring [1][4].

• AAPL: High P/E ratio (37.11x) vs. peers, 50.4% revenue from iPhone sales, regulatory risks in China [0].
• QCOM: 62.5% revenue from China, semiconductor industry competition, regulatory risks [0].
• HD: Low quick ratio (0.29) indicating liquidity concerns, potential home improvement market headwinds [0].

• AAPL: Ongoing product updates (iOS 26.2) and strong balance sheet support continued buybacks [2][0].
• QCOM: Expansion into RISC-V server chips and AI could drive long-term growth, complemented by buybacks [3][1].
• HD: Long-term buyback discipline and analyst target upside (+14.4%) suggest potential recovery [0][1].

The three stocks identified by Benzinga for 2026 buybacks have varied recent performance: AAPL showed resilience amid mixed news, QCOM was affected by broader market declines despite positive announcements, and HD faced headwinds from security and theft issues. All three have “BUY” analyst ratings with target price upsides ranging from 7.5% to 14.4%. Investors should note their respective risks (China exposure, liquidity, market dependency) and monitor upcoming buyback details, HD’s security response, and QCOM’s acquisition integration.