Apple Inc. $AAPL Shares Bought by American National Bank & Trust

Key Points

• American National Bank & Trust increased its Apple position by 9.7% in the third quarter, adding 18,434 shares to own 207,679 shares valued at approximately $67.5 million. Apple now represents about 6% of the bank’s portfolio and is its second-largest holding.
• Institutional investors own 67.73% of Apple, while insiders sold 279,383 shares worth roughly $92.9 million over the past three months, primarily to cover tax obligations tied to equity awards.
• Apple shares opened at $342.96, near their 12-month high, with a $5.01 trillion market capitalization and a consensus analyst rating of “Moderate Buy”; the average price target is $340.39.

American National Bank & Trust lifted its position in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL - Free Report) by 9.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 207,679 shares of the iPhone maker's stock after buying an additional 18,434 shares during the quarter. Apple comprises approximately 6.0% of American National Bank & Trust's holdings, making the stock its 2nd largest position. American National Bank & Trust's holdings in Apple were worth $67,512,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of AAPL. Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought a new position in shares of Apple in the second quarter worth about $65,950,297,000. Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new position in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter worth about $36,986,090,000. Legal & General Group Plc acquired a new position in shares of Apple during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,443,242,000. Deutsche Bank AG bought a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $13,658,359,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Apple during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $10,588,946,000. 67.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Transactions at Apple

In related news, CEO John Ternus sold 25,412 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.94, for a total value of $8,460,671.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 59,567 shares of the company's stock, valued at $19,832,236.98. This trade represents a 29.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, SVP Deirdre O'brien sold 46,389 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $333.42, for a total transaction of $15,467,020.38. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 136,810 shares of the company's stock, valued at $45,615,190.20. The trade was a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 279,383 shares of company stock valued at $92,912,517. Company insiders own 0.06% of the company's stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have issued reports on AAPL shares. Piper Sandler started coverage on Apple in a report on Monday, August 17th. They issued an "overweight" rating on the stock. KeyCorp reiterated an "underweight" rating on shares of Apple in a report on Friday, September 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Apple in a research report on Monday, August 17th. They issued a "buy" rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Apple from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. Finally, Maxim Group raised their price objective on shares of Apple from $350.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have given a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, Apple currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $340.39.

Trending Headlines about Apple

Here are the key news stories impacting Apple this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Apple’s $299 HomeView smart-home hub, along with new cameras, a doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and updated Apple TV and HomePod products, gives the company new hardware and ecosystem expansion opportunities. Analysts also see potential for recurring iCloud+ and other Services revenue. Apple releases HomeView smart home hub with screen as showcase for Siri AI
• Positive Sentiment: Apple reportedly plans to launch Apple Intelligence in mainland China in December, potentially improving access to AI features in a strategically important market. Apple to Release AI Platform in Mainland China
• Positive Sentiment: Apple benefited from news that GlobalFoundries will build two New York fabs with up to $21 billion in U.S.-Japan funding. Apple is expected to source chips from the expanded domestic capacity, supporting supply-chain diversification. GlobalFoundries Secures $21B for New York Fabs
• Positive Sentiment: Investor optimism was reinforced by Apple’s market value reclaiming the $5 trillion milestone, while analyst Dan Ives suggested a stronger AI strategy could support a $400 price target. Apple reaches new highs ahead of iPhone Duo preorders
• Neutral Sentiment: Apple’s iPhone Duo preorders begin October 16. Strong demand could provide a near-term catalyst, but reports of shorter iPhone 18 Pro delivery windows and reduced supplier production have raised questions about demand.
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts estimate that a paid, more capable Siri could eventually generate substantial Services revenue, but Apple has not announced pricing or a launch date for expanded AI access.
• Negative Sentiment: OpenAI alleges that a former employee who joined Apple transferred more than 100 confidential files concerning an unreleased device. The case could create legal, reputational and product-development risks, although there is no indication Apple used the information. OpenAI alleges former employee took device files to Apple
• Negative Sentiment: Gene Munster warned Apple could lose the AI platform battle if users become loyal to rival assistants such as Meta’s Muse or Grok. Critics also questioned whether HomeView meaningfully addresses Apple’s AI shortcomings.
• Negative Sentiment: With Apple trading near record levels at a rich valuation, investors are concerned that slower growth, margin pressure and uncertain iPhone demand may limit further upside.

Apple Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of AAPL opened at $342.96 on Thursday. The stock's 50-day moving average price is $324.64 and its 200 day moving average price is $305.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.01 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.07. Apple Inc. has a 12-month low of $243.42 and a 12-month high of $348.15.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 30th. The iPhone maker reported $2.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.13. Apple had a return on equity of 135.46% and a net margin of 27.62%. The company had revenue of $109.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $109.04 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.57 EPS. The company's quarterly revenue was up 16.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Apple Inc. will post 8.75 earnings per share for the current year.

Apple Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 10th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 10th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Apple's payout ratio is currently 12.39%.

Apple Profile

Apple Inc is a technology company that designs, develops and markets consumer electronics, software and digital services. Its best-known products include the iPhone smartphone, Mac personal computers, iPad tablets, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories. The company also develops operating systems and software platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS.

Apple's services business includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

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