Apple stock posts record quarter as holiday margin comes under pressure

Apple reported record September-quarter revenue on Monday, November 2, as strong iPhone demand and an all-time high in Services revenue closed out its fiscal 2026. The company said fiscal fourth-quarter revenue rose 12 percent year over year to 114.5 billion US dollars, while diluted earnings per share increased 14 percent to 2.10 US dollars. The results were released by Apple in its November 2 earnings announcement.

Records meet a tougher holiday setup

Apple said iPhone revenue reached a September-quarter record, while Services revenue reached an all-time high. Chief Executive John Ternus pointed to the iPhone Duo, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, new home hardware, Touch on Mac and the all-new Siri AI as the product lineup for the holiday season.

Chief Financial Officer Kevan Parekh said the September quarter capped the company's strongest fiscal year, with full-year revenue of 479 billion US dollars and double-digit earnings-per-share growth. Apple generated 28 billion US dollars in operating cash flow during the quarter and returned the same amount to shareholders. The company also said its installed base of active devices reached a new all-time high across major product categories and geographic segments.

Holiday guidance shifts to margins

For the December quarter, Apple expects total company revenue to grow between 7 and 10 percent from a year earlier. Services revenue is expected to increase 8 to 9 percent, while gross margin is forecast at 45 to 46 percent. Management cited higher memory costs as a principal pressure on the margin outlook, with foreign exchange and third-party licensing also weighing on the Services forecast.

The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.27 US dollars per share. The payment is scheduled for November 16, 2026, for shareholders of record at the close of business on November 12.

Apple stock remains in focus

Apple stock traded at 313.75 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 13:40 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Investors are now weighing the company's record demand indicators against supply constraints and the expected holiday-quarter margin pressure. The real-time quote of Apple stock provides the latest market indication.

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