Apple Inc. (AAPL): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Apple Inc. (AAPL) Information


A Brief History of Apple Inc.

Founding and Early Years

Apple Inc. was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company was established to develop and sell personal computers. The first product was the Apple I, which was hand-built by Wozniak and sold as a motherboard. The Apple II, released in 1977, became one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products.

Initial Public Offering and Growth

Apple went public on December 12, 1980, with an initial public offering (IPO) price of $22 per share. The IPO raised over $100 million, making it one of the largest IPOs of its time. By 1983, Apple had grown to a valuation of $1.2 billion.

Product Innovations and Challenges

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apple introduced several innovative products, including the Macintosh in 1984, which featured a graphical user interface and a mouse. However, the company faced significant challenges during this period, including intense competition from Microsoft and struggles with management decisions.

Return of Steve Jobs and Resurgence

In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to Apple after the acquisition of NeXT, a company he founded after leaving Apple. Under his leadership, Apple launched the iMac in 1998, which revitalized the brand. This was followed by other successful products, including the iPod in 2001, which changed the music industry.

The Era of iPhone and Services

In 2007, Apple launched the iPhone, which became a global phenomenon and significantly increased Apple's market share in the smartphone industry. The introduction of the App Store in 2008 further solidified Apple's position in the mobile ecosystem. By 2024, Apple reported net sales of $391.0 billion for the fiscal year ending September 28, 2024, with services contributing significantly to revenue growth.

Financial Performance Overview

As of September 28, 2024, Apple’s financial highlights included:

Metric 2024 2023 2022
Net Sales (in millions) $391,035 $383,285 $394,328
Products Revenue (in millions) $294,866 $298,085 $316,199
Services Revenue (in millions) $96,169 $85,200 $78,129
Operating Income (in millions) $116,604 $116,074 $119,483
Net Income (in millions) $97,772 $99,804 $99,803

Stock Performance

As of September 28, 2024, Apple's stock was trading at approximately $208.73 per share. The company had a market capitalization of about $3.1 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Research and Development

Apple has consistently invested in research and development (R&D) to drive innovation. In 2024, Apple allocated approximately $30.0 billion to R&D efforts, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and health technologies.

Shareholder Returns

In 2024, Apple continued its commitment to returning capital to shareholders, repurchasing $95.0 billion of its common stock and paying dividends totaling $15.2 billion. The quarterly cash dividend was set at $0.25 per share, with plans for annual increases.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Apple has faced various legal and regulatory challenges, notably the European Commission's State Aid Decision, which required Apple to pay €14.2 billion (approximately $15.8 billion) in taxes to Ireland as of September 28, 2024. This amount was expected to be settled within the next year.

Conclusion

As of 2024, Apple Inc. remains a leader in technology and innovation, with a robust product lineup and a strong financial performance that continues to attract investors globally.



A Who Owns Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Major Shareholders

As of October 18, 2024, Apple Inc. (AAPL) had approximately 23,301 shareholders of record. The ownership structure is characterized by both institutional and individual investors.

Institutional Ownership

Institutional investors hold a significant portion of Apple’s shares. The following table summarizes the major institutional shareholders and their respective ownership percentages:

Institution Ownership Percentage Shares Held (in millions)
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 8.0% 1,224
BlackRock, Inc. 7.5% 1,145
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 5.4% 820
State Street Corporation 4.0% 610
Fidelity Investments 3.2% 490

Insider Ownership

Insider ownership includes shares held by Apple’s executives and board members. The most notable figures include:

Name Position Shares Held (in millions)
Tim Cook CEO 5.4
Jeff Williams COO 1.3
Lucia Wang CFO 0.9
Katherine Adams General Counsel 0.5

Share Repurchase Program

In 2024, Apple repurchased 499 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of $95.0 billion. The company announced a new share repurchase program of up to $110 billion in May 2024.

Stock Performance

As of September 28, 2024, Apple’s stock performance has shown significant growth. The stock price increased from $281 in September 2022 to $430 in September 2024.

Year Stock Price (End of Year) Annual Growth (%)
2022 $281 -
2023 $322 14.6%
2024 $430 33.6%

Dividends

Apple has a consistent dividend policy. As of September 28, 2024, the quarterly cash dividend was $0.25 per share, with total dividends declared amounting to $15.2 billion in 2024.

Year Dividends Declared (in billions) Dividend per Share
2022 $14.8 $0.90
2023 $15.0 $0.94
2024 $15.2 $0.98

Conclusion

Apple Inc. remains a highly sought-after stock among institutional investors and individual stakeholders alike, with substantial ownership concentrated in a few major shareholders. The company’s robust share repurchase program and consistent dividend payouts further enhance its appeal in the equity market.



Apple Inc. (AAPL) Mission Statement

As of 2024, Apple Inc. continues to focus on its mission to "bring the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services." This mission statement reflects Apple's commitment to excellence and its strategy to integrate advanced technology into everyday life.

Financial Overview

In fiscal year 2024, Apple reported total net sales of $391.0 billion, a 2% increase from the previous year. The breakdown of net sales by product category is as follows:

Product Category 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 2023 Net Sales (in millions) 2022 Net Sales (in millions)
iPhone $201,183 $200,583 $205,489
Mac $29,984 $29,357 $40,177
iPad $26,694 $28,300 $29,292
Wearables, Home and Accessories $37,005 $39,845 $41,241
Services $96,169 $85,200 $78,129

Operating Performance by Region

The following table illustrates the net sales by geographic segment:

Region 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 2023 Net Sales (in millions) 2022 Net Sales (in millions)
Americas $167,045 $162,560 $169,658
Europe $101,328 $94,294 $95,118
Greater China $66,952 $72,559 $74,200
Japan $25,052 $24,257 $25,977
Rest of Asia Pacific $30,658 $29,615 $29,375

Shareholder Returns

Apple has maintained a robust capital return program. In 2024, the company repurchased 499 million shares for a total of $95.0 billion. The quarterly cash dividend was raised to $0.25 per share.

Research and Development

In 2024, Apple invested $31.4 billion in research and development, reflecting a 5% increase from the prior year. This investment underscores the company's commitment to innovation and the development of new technologies.

Income Statement Highlights

Key figures from Apple's income statement for 2024 include:

Item 2024 Amount (in millions)
Net Income $93,736
Operating Income $123,216
Gross Margin $180,683
Effective Tax Rate 24.1%

Strategic Goals

Apple's mission extends beyond product innovation. The company aims to enhance its services, particularly in cloud computing and digital content, as evidenced by the growth in its services revenue, which reached $96.2 billion in 2024, a 13% increase compared to the prior year.

Conclusion

Apple Inc.'s mission statement and strategic focus for 2024 highlight its commitment to innovation, customer experience, and shareholder value. The company's robust financial performance and investment in R&D reflect its ongoing dedication to maintaining its position as a leader in technology.



How Apple Inc. (AAPL) Works

Financial Performance

As of the end of the fiscal year on September 28, 2024, Apple Inc. reported the following financial results:

Metric 2024 2023 2022
Net Income (in millions) $93,736 $96,995 $99,803
Total Revenue (in millions) $391,035 $383,285 $394,328
Gross Margin (in millions) $180,683 $169,148 $170,782
Operating Income (in millions) $123,216 $114,301 $119,437
Earnings per Share (Diluted) $6.08 $6.13 $6.11

Revenue Breakdown

Revenue sources for Apple in 2024 were categorized as follows:

Category 2024 (in millions) Change (%)
iPhone $201,183 0%
Mac $29,984 2%
iPad $26,694 (6)%
Wearables, Home and Accessories $37,005 (7)%
Services $96,169 13%

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for 2024 were detailed as follows:

Expense Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Research and Development $31,370 $29,915
Selling, General and Administrative $26,097 $24,932
Total Operating Expenses $57,467 $54,847

Balance Sheet Overview

As of September 28, 2024, the balance sheet indicated the following:

Assets and Liabilities 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Total Assets $364,980 $352,583
Total Liabilities $308,030 $290,437
Total Shareholders’ Equity $56,950 $62,146

Cash Flow Statement

For the year ending September 28, 2024, Apple’s cash flow from operations, investments, and financing was as follows:

Cash Flow Activity 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Net Cash from Operating Activities $118,254 $110,543
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities $2,935 $3,705
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities ($107,678) ($94,156)

Marketable Securities and Cash Position

As of September 28, 2024, Apple held the following cash and marketable securities:

Category 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $29,943 $29,965
Current Marketable Securities $35,228 $31,590
Non-Current Marketable Securities $91,479 $100,544

Debt and Obligations

As of September 28, 2024, Apple’s debt profile included:

Debt Type Amount (in millions)
Term Debt $97,341
Commercial Paper $10,000
Total Debt $107,341

Shareholder Returns

Apple's shareholder return activities for 2024 included:

Activity 2024 (in millions)
Share Repurchases $95,000
Dividends Paid $15,218


How Apple Inc. (AAPL) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Apple Inc. generates revenue through several key product categories and services. The following table outlines net sales by category for the fiscal year 2024:

Category 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 2023 Net Sales (in millions) 2022 Net Sales (in millions) Change 2024 vs. 2023
iPhone $201,183 $200,583 $205,489 0%
Mac $29,984 $29,357 $40,177 2%
iPad $26,694 $28,300 $29,292 (6%)
Wearables, Home and Accessories $37,005 $39,845 $41,241 (7%)
Services $96,169 $85,200 $78,129 13%
Total Net Sales $391,035 $383,285 $394,328 2%

Product Performance

In 2024, iPhone sales remained stable, contributing significantly to Apple's revenue. The Mac saw a slight increase in revenue, primarily driven by laptop sales. However, iPad and Wearables categories experienced declines due to lower sales of specific models.

Services Growth

Services revenue, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and advertising services, increased by 13% year-over-year. This segment is crucial for Apple's strategy to diversify its income sources beyond hardware sales.

Geographic Revenue Distribution

The following table shows net sales by geographic segment for 2024:

Region 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 2023 Net Sales (in millions) Change 2024 vs. 2023
Americas $167,045 $162,560 3%
Europe $101,328 $94,294 7%
Greater China $66,952 $72,559 (8%)
Japan $25,052 $24,257 3%
Rest of Asia Pacific $30,658 $29,615 4%
Total Net Sales $391,035 $383,285 2%

Gross Margin Analysis

Apple's gross margins reflect its pricing power and efficient cost management. The gross margin for products and services in 2024 was as follows:

Category 2024 Gross Margin (in millions) 2023 Gross Margin (in millions) 2022 Gross Margin (in millions)
Products $109,633 $108,803 $114,728
Services $71,050 $60,345 $56,054
Total Gross Margin $180,683 $169,148 $170,782

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for 2024 were reported as follows:

Category 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) 2022 (in millions)
Research and Development $31,370 $29,915 $26,251
Selling, General and Administrative $26,097 $24,932 $25,094
Total Operating Expenses $57,467 $54,847 $51,345

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Apple's net income and earnings per share for 2024 were as follows:

Metric 2024 2023 2022
Net Income (in millions) $93,736 $96,995 $99,803
Earnings Per Share (Basic) $6.11 $6.16 $6.15
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $6.08 $6.13 $6.11

Cash Flow and Liquidity

As of September 28, 2024, Apple reported cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $156.65 billion. This strong liquidity position supports ongoing investments and shareholder returns.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Apple Inc. (AAPL) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q4 2024 to get an in-depth view of Apple Inc. (AAPL)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Apple Inc. (AAPL)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.