Apple says the decision to split the stock reflects a desire to make the stock accessible to a broader base of investors. With the split, Apple's share count jumps to 17.1 billion. ... The stock has also outperformed after splits, by 700 basis points after three months, and 610 basis points after 6 months.

Why did Apple split its stock?

The most recent one adjusted its share price from about $500 to $125. While one share at $500 is the same investment amount as four shares at $125, Apple executives believed the split would make the stock "more accessible to a broader base of investors."

What does it mean for Apple to split?

Apple on Thursday announced in its fiscal third-quarter earnings that the Board of Directors has approved a four-for-one stock split. That means that, for each share of Apple stock that an investor owns, they'll receive three additional shares. It also makes single shares in Apple more affordable for investors to buy.