Apple’s recent financial report shows that in the fourth quarter ending September 28, Apple achieved revenue of US$94.93 billion, higher than analysts’ expectations of US$94.36 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6%; net profit was US$14.736 billion, compared with US$22.956 billion in the same period last year. Earnings per share in the fourth quarter were US$0.97, compared with US$1.46 in the same period last year; but if the one-time US$12 billion tax payment related to the European General Court ruling is not included, earnings per share will be US$1.64, and the market expectation is US$1.6. Revenue for the entire fiscal year increased by about 2% to US$391.04 billion; net profit was US$93.7 billion, and US$97 billion in fiscal 2023.
Apple’s performance in China is closely watched by investors because China is the company’s third largest market after the Americas and Europe.