It never works out like that in theory or practice. A company cannot retain it's value all by itself. Value is assigned to the company by 3rd parties. If you started a company and claimed that your stock is worth $100 per share, and there are no buyers, are you really worth $100? However, if you claim to be worth $100, and I offer you $120, you would sell to me because you think you're worth less than what I'm paying for it. The moment I bought it I actually created value for your company because I just demonstrated to the entire market that you are worth more than you think. Then everyone else will start pricing you higher. It has huge knock on implications. Buffet buying Apple was basically a huge buy signal for many investors, and that action itself increased its value.