Top 5 most populous megacities worldwide
The United Nations has released fresh data on the most populous cities in the world. Let's take a look at the top megacities by population.
Apple
In the third quarter of 2022, the IT giant bought back its shares worth $24.7 billion. Over the past 5 years, the volume of repurchased shares has amounted to $409.1 billion. This is 2.5 times more than that of other companies in the technology sector. On average, the volume of repurchased stocks was $50 billion over the past 10 years. According to analysts, Apple significantly increased the volume of buybacks and revenues. By early 2023, the company's market cap has reached $2.3 trillion. According to preliminary forecasts, Apple's earnings may grow by 22.6% annually over the next three to five years.
Alphabet
In 2022, Alphabet, owned by Google, managed to weather the economic crisis. At present, Alphabet's revenue growth rate has slowed slightly. The reasons are high competition in the industry and the actions of US regulators. Concerned about the security of users' personal data, US authorities keep a tight grip on companies in this area. However, this did not prevent Alphabet from increasing profits at the end of last year thanks to its buyback strategy. In the third quarter of 2022, share repurchases totaled $15.3 billion. Over the past 5 years, the company has purchased more than $150 billion worth of stocks. In 2023, the growth of cloud technology will help boost the buyback program. According to current projections, Alphabet's earnings are projected to grow by 28% annually over the next three to five years.
Microsoft
In 2021, Microsoft announced a $60 billion buyback program. Last year, the company became a leader in its segment thanks to increased revenues generated by its cloud services business. According to economists, the IT giant is expected to keep a double-digit revenue growth rate this year, which reached 20% in the last quarter of 2022. In the third quarter of 2022, the buyback program amounted to $ 5.5 billion. Over the past 10 years, Microsoft has acquired its shares worth over $170 billion, while the share of cloud services accounted for 40% of revenues and more than 40% of operating income. The firm's closest target is to develop the gaming segment. This year, the company's earnings may increase by 8.8%. According to preliminary forecasts, the annual growth of Microsoft's profits may stand at 22.5% in the next three to five years.
Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobil has long held a leading position in the energy sector thanks to the development of the US oil and gas industry. The stocks of the oil producer bring a high dividend yield of 3.2% per annum. In 2022, the oil and gas industry in the US benefited from rising energy prices. The volume of oil production in the Permian Basin reached an all-time high. Exxon Mobil is currently increasing investments in non-renewable energy sources such as oil and gas. In addition, the company continues to make use of the share buyback strategy. The buyback program amounted to $4.5 billion in the third quarter of 2022. According to forecasts, Exxon Mobil's annual earnings growth may reach 16.5% in the next three to five years.
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble, the holder of the Dividend King title, is one of the world's oldest companies in the household and care products sector. For 132 years, the corporation has paid dividends that have been increasing steadily for 66 years. Notably, the company operates in 180 countries around the world. Now it undergoes restructuring, reducing the number of brands to 65 from 170. In 2022, Procter & Gamble raised prices for its product lines. The Dividend King expects a 1% drop in sales in 2023 but is planning to pay $9 billion in dividends. This year, Procter & Gamble is rolling out a $6-$8 billion buyback program. In the third quarter of 2022, the buyback amounted to $4 billion. The firm is projected to increase its revenues by 7.6% annually over the next three to five years. At the same time, economists note that this figure may soar.
The United Nations has released fresh data on the most populous cities in the world. Let's take a look at the top megacities by population.
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