Apple has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ended on December 28, 2024. The company was able to set new records for both revenue and earnings per share. The services business performed particularly strongly, reaching another all-time high. The installed base of active Apple devices also continued to grow. At the same time, Apple has decided to pay a cash dividend to shareholders.
Apple remains on a growth path and is starting the 2025 fiscal year with record figures. Despite a saturated market and economic uncertainty, the company was able to increase its sales and increase earnings per share by double digits. The service division in particular is increasingly contributing to the company's success. CEO Tim Cook lifts the role of Apple Intelligence, which is intended to further improve the user experience. The return of capital to shareholders also shows Apple's continued financial strength.
- Side note: Apple's fiscal year starts on October 1st and ends on September 30th.
Sales and profits reach new highs
Apple generated revenue of $124.3 billion ($36.3 billion profit) in the first quarter. This represents an increase of four percent over the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share rose by ten percent to $2.40. This meant that Apple was once again able to post record figures. According to CEO Tim Cook, the quarter was particularly characterized by strong demand during the Christmas season. During this period, Apple was able to provide its best product and service offering to date. The combination of powerful hardware and software helped users to use their devices even better and more personally.
Services division reaches new all-time high
The services business was once again a key growth driver. Apple offers a wide range of digital services, including Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV+ and Apple Pay. This division reached a new all-time high in the first quarter, underscoring the increasing importance of recurring revenue for the company. Tim Cook emphasized in his statement that Apple Intelligence will further improve the user experience. From April, the AI-supported technology will be available in additional languages. Apple sees great potential for the future in the further development of artificial intelligence.
Investors benefit from capital repatriations
Apple's CFO Kevan Parekh highlighted the strong operating margin, which contributed significantly to the double-digit earnings per share growth. At the same time, Apple returned over $30 billion to shareholders in the first quarter. In addition, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per common share. The payment will be made on February 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2025.
Installed base of active devices continues to grow
In addition to revenue and profit increases, Apple also achieved a new record in the number of active devices. The installed base grew across all product categories and regions. This shows that Apple continues to have strong customer loyalty and can expect stable revenues from hardware and service businesses in the long term.
Q1/2025: Apple starts the new fiscal year with record figures
Apple has closed the first quarter of 2025 with new record figures. Sales increased by four percent, while earnings per share even increased by ten percent. The service business in particular is increasingly contributing to the company's success. The high demand for digital services and the further development of Apple Intelligence are important factors for growth. Apple also remains attractive for investors. The renewed capital return and the dividend paid show the company's financial strength. At the same time, the installed base of active devices continues to grow, which ensures stable income in the long term. Apple is thus making a successful start to the new financial year and continuing its growth path. (Photo by 3000ad / Bigstockphoto)
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