As Apple reports record Q3 sales, why’s the share price going down?

The Apple share price is falling but Stephen Wright thinks there’s plenty for shareholders to be positive about – leaving aside a $10bn tax hit.

| More on:
Frustrated young white male looking disconsolate while sat on his sofa holding a beer

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Despite total sales reaching record levels, the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) share price is down 2% after the company’s Q3 earnings report. Should investors be worried?

I don’t think so. While a 35% drop in net income looks alarming, I think the business is still in a very strong position. 

Headlines

A feature of Apple’s recent reports has been strong revenue growth from its Services division. Since this has higher margins, the result has been overall profits growing faster than sales.

Half of that trend continued in Q3 – Services revenues grew 12%, compared to 4% growth in the Products division. But this didn’t translate into higher earnings.

While operating profits were up almost 10%, net income fell 35%. This was due to a $10bn tax payment the company made to settle a case dating back to 2016. 

This looks like a one-off expense rather than a recurring cost. But investors should keep an eye on the attention Apple seems to attract from regulators in the EU and elsewhere. 

Highlights

Over the last few months, there’s been a big question over how successful the launch of the new iPhone would be. And I thought there was quite a lot of pessimism around. 

The iPhone 16’s the first artificial intelligence (AI) offer from Apple. And some analysts took the view that the new features wouldn’t be enough to generate significant interest.

Apple’s Products division has lower margins. But a big installed base of devices is key to generating strong revenue from the more profitable Services part of the business. 

With that in mind, I think the 5.5% growth in iPhone revenues was an important highlight. And it indicates the company’s competitive position is as strong as ever.

Outlook

Overall revenue growth for Q3 came in at around 6%. That might not sound like much, but it’s the fastest the company’s sales have grown in the last couple of years.

Apple revenue growth September 2022- June 2024


Created at TradingView

CEO Tim Cook had forecast something largely similar for the final quarter of 2023. The hope is that some new Apple Intelligence features can keep the growth story going. 

For obvious reasons, the December quarter’s typically a strong one for Apple products. So it will be interesting to see what the next set of results brings in terms of more record sales.

Shareholders should also know by now that not all revenue growth’s the same. If Q4’s growth is driven by the Services division, then profits might well come in more than 6% higher. 

Why is the stock falling?

Apple’s report wasn’t all good news. Investors won’t have been pleased to see that $10bn tax hit and the company’s continued stagnation in China.

Overall though, I thought the update was very positive. Record sales and solid growth are signs the company’s competitive position’s still firmly intact.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Stephen Wright has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Apple. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

With a P/E ratio of just 10.5 is now a brilliant time to buy a cut-price FTSE 250 tracker?

Harvey Jones says a recent dip in the FTSE 250 leaves the index trading at bargain levels. One stock in…

Read more »

Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

To build a passive income flow, I’d follow this Warren Buffett approach

Warren Buffett has set up passive income streams most people can only dream about. Our writer sees some practical lessons…

Read more »

Growth Shares

As the boohoo share price falls, could it become a penny stock in 2025?

Jon Smith outlines some of the recent problems involving the boohoo share price and considers if things could get even…

Read more »

Young Asian woman with head in hands at her desk
Investing Articles

Here are the worst-performing FTSE 100 shares over the last 5 years

These five FTSE 100 shares have been complete duds over the last half decade. But is there potential for a…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Nvidia stock has tripled this year! Can it keep rising?

Nvidia's latest sales update showed strong growth and the stock's been on a tear so far in 2024. So is…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The JD Sports Fashion share price has just plunged another 16%! Buy or sell?

Harvey Jones is reeling after another sharp drop in the JD Sports Fashion share price. Should he seize the chance…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

This once-great FTSE 250 UK fashion retailer is down 47%, so is it time for me to buy?

A formerly iconic UK fashion brand, this FTSE 250 firm has fallen out of favour. But it has a new…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Nvidia share price dips despite strong Q3 results. What can we expect now?

Despite posting strong Q3 results after yesterday's market close, the Nvidia share price slipped 2.5% in aftermarket trading. Mark Hartley…

Read more »