Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Quarterly Data
Profitability ratios measure the company ability to generate profitable sales from its resources (assets).
Profitability Ratios (Summary)
Apple Inc., profitability ratios (quarterly data)
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
The profitability profile exhibits a sustained upward trajectory in margin efficiency and asset utilization over the observed period, characterized by consistent improvements in gross profitability and a general increase in the return on assets.
- Gross Profit Margin
- A consistent and linear expansion is observed, with the margin rising from 38.78% in December 2020 to 47.86% by March 2026. This steady increase indicates a strengthened ability to manage direct costs or a strategic shift toward higher-margin revenue streams.
- Operating and Net Profit Margins
- Operating profit margins showed an initial climb from 25.24% to a peak of 30.93% in March 2022, followed by a brief period of contraction that bottomed at 29.16% in April 2023 before resuming a steady ascent to 32.64% by March 2026. Similarly, net profit margins generally trended upward from 21.73% to 27.15%, despite a notable temporary decline to 23.97% in September 2024. The narrowing gap between gross and operating margins suggests a disciplined approach to operational expenditures relative to revenue growth.
- Return on Assets (ROA)
- Asset efficiency demonstrated significant improvement, increasing from 18.06% in December 2020 to 33.03% in March 2026. While a temporary dip occurred in September 2024, the overall trend reflects a substantial increase in the company's capacity to generate profit from its total asset base.
- Return on Equity (ROE)
- Return on equity remained exceptionally high throughout the period but exhibited greater volatility than other ratios. ROE peaked at 196.96% in September 2022 before experiencing a general downward trend, ending at 115.10% in March 2026. The divergence between the rising ROA and the fluctuating ROE suggests significant changes in the capital structure, potentially driven by aggressive share repurchase programs or adjustments in total equity.
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Return on Sales
Return on Investment
Gross Profit Margin
Apple Inc., gross profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Mar 28, 2026 | Dec 27, 2025 | Sep 27, 2025 | Jun 28, 2025 | Mar 29, 2025 | Dec 28, 2024 | Sep 28, 2024 | Jun 29, 2024 | Mar 30, 2024 | Dec 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 | Jun 25, 2022 | Mar 26, 2022 | Dec 25, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | Jun 26, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | Dec 26, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 54,781) | 69,231) | 48,341) | 43,718) | 44,867) | 58,275) | 43,879) | 39,678) | 42,271) | 54,855) | 40,427) | 36,413) | 41,976) | 50,332) | 38,095) | 35,885) | 42,559) | 54,243) | 35,174) | 35,255) | 38,079) | 44,328) | |||||||
| Net sales | 111,184) | 143,756) | 102,466) | 94,036) | 95,359) | 124,300) | 94,930) | 85,777) | 90,753) | 119,575) | 89,498) | 81,797) | 94,836) | 117,154) | 90,146) | 82,959) | 97,278) | 123,945) | 83,360) | 81,434) | 89,584) | 111,439) | |||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit margin1 | 47.86% | 47.33% | 46.91% | 46.68% | 46.63% | 46.52% | 46.21% | 45.96% | 45.59% | 45.03% | 44.13% | 43.45% | 43.18% | 43.06% | 43.31% | 43.31% | 43.32% | 43.02% | 41.78% | 41.01% | 39.88% | 38.78% | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arista Networks Inc. | — | — | 64.06% | 64.34% | 64.24% | 64.09% | 64.13% | 64.41% | 64.01% | 62.94% | 61.95% | 60.76% | 60.18% | 60.27% | 61.07% | 61.82% | 62.77% | 63.64% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Cisco Systems Inc. | 64.81% | 64.85% | 64.94% | 65.24% | 65.13% | 64.92% | 64.73% | 64.65% | 64.22% | 63.69% | 62.73% | 61.99% | 61.92% | 62.23% | 62.55% | 63.14% | 63.30% | 63.73% | 64.02% | 63.94% | 64.17% | 64.07% | |||||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | 21.12% | 22.06% | 22.24% | 22.23% | 22.51% | 23.07% | 23.60% | 23.38% | 23.36% | 22.57% | 22.18% | 21.42% | 20.92% | 21.40% | 21.63% | 24.59% | 27.13% | 29.32% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Lumentum Holdings Inc. | 33.44% | 30.59% | 27.96% | 23.86% | 20.39% | 18.33% | 18.50% | 20.38% | 23.79% | 28.17% | 32.20% | 36.36% | 39.14% | 42.78% | 46.05% | 45.74% | 46.14% | 46.56% | 44.93% | 43.98% | 42.81% | 40.94% | |||||||
| Super Micro Computer Inc. | 8.02% | 10.08% | 11.06% | 11.27% | 12.44% | 13.20% | 13.75% | 15.97% | 16.39% | 17.44% | 18.01% | 18.23% | 17.80% | 16.78% | 15.40% | 14.22% | 13.68% | 14.18% | 15.03% | 15.14% | 16.03% | 15.91% | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
1 Q2 2026 Calculation
Gross profit margin = 100
× (Gross marginQ2 2026
+ Gross marginQ1 2026
+ Gross marginQ4 2025
+ Gross marginQ3 2025)
÷ (Net salesQ2 2026
+ Net salesQ1 2026
+ Net salesQ4 2025
+ Net salesQ3 2025)
= 100 × (54,781 + 69,231 + 48,341 + 43,718)
÷ (111,184 + 143,756 + 102,466 + 94,036)
= 47.86%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
A consistent and sustained upward trajectory in the gross profit margin is observed from December 2020 through March 2026. The profitability profile shifted from a base of 38.78% to a peak of 47.86%, reflecting a structural enhancement in the ability to convert net sales into gross profit over the analyzed period.
- Gross Profit Margin Expansion
- The margin percentage exhibits a monotonic increase. Initial growth was most pronounced between December 2020 and December 2021, where the margin rose from 38.78% to 43.02%. After a period of stabilization around the 43% mark throughout 2022, a second phase of steady acceleration began in 2023, eventually reaching 47.86% by March 2026.
- Revenue Seasonality and Volume Trends
- Net sales demonstrate a recurring seasonal pattern with significant peaks occurring consistently in the December quarters. Despite these quarterly fluctuations, the general trend for both peak and trough sales is positive. The highest recorded net sales occurred in December 2025, reaching 143,756 million US$.
- Correlation Between Margin and Absolute Profit
- The absolute gross margin in US$ millions reflects the combined effect of increasing net sales and expanding margin percentages. The December peaks in gross margin grew from 44,328 million US$ in 2020 to 69,231 million US$ in 2025. This indicates that the growth in absolute profit is being driven not only by higher sales volume but also by an increasing profit per unit of sale.
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Operating Profit Margin
Apple Inc., operating profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Mar 28, 2026 | Dec 27, 2025 | Sep 27, 2025 | Jun 28, 2025 | Mar 29, 2025 | Dec 28, 2024 | Sep 28, 2024 | Jun 29, 2024 | Mar 30, 2024 | Dec 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 | Jun 25, 2022 | Mar 26, 2022 | Dec 25, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | Jun 26, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | Dec 26, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 35,885) | 50,852) | 32,427) | 28,202) | 29,589) | 42,832) | 29,591) | 25,352) | 27,900) | 40,373) | 26,969) | 22,998) | 28,318) | 36,016) | 24,894) | 23,076) | 29,979) | 41,488) | 23,786) | 24,126) | 27,503) | 33,534) | |||||||
| Net sales | 111,184) | 143,756) | 102,466) | 94,036) | 95,359) | 124,300) | 94,930) | 85,777) | 90,753) | 119,575) | 89,498) | 81,797) | 94,836) | 117,154) | 90,146) | 82,959) | 97,278) | 123,945) | 83,360) | 81,434) | 89,584) | 111,439) | |||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit margin1 | 32.64% | 32.38% | 31.97% | 31.87% | 31.81% | 31.76% | 31.51% | 31.27% | 30.98% | 30.76% | 29.82% | 29.23% | 29.16% | 29.41% | 30.29% | 30.53% | 30.93% | 30.90% | 29.78% | 28.79% | 27.32% | 25.24% | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arista Networks Inc. | — | — | 42.82% | 42.88% | 43.14% | 42.27% | 42.05% | 42.11% | 41.23% | 40.01% | 38.52% | 37.29% | 36.12% | 35.71% | 34.86% | 33.69% | 32.55% | 31.56% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Cisco Systems Inc. | 22.75% | 22.12% | 20.76% | 20.30% | 18.98% | 19.37% | 22.64% | 24.95% | 27.21% | 27.17% | 26.37% | 25.89% | 26.10% | 26.91% | 27.09% | 27.36% | 27.09% | 26.98% | 25.76% | 25.60% | 25.93% | 26.23% | |||||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | 6.72% | 6.66% | 6.53% | 5.93% | 5.81% | 5.69% | 5.89% | 5.39% | 5.54% | 5.45% | 5.64% | 5.88% | 5.12% | 4.99% | 4.60% | 5.26% | 5.51% | 5.72% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Lumentum Holdings Inc. | 1.18% | -4.94% | -10.95% | -20.72% | -27.02% | -31.60% | -31.93% | -25.08% | -20.39% | -13.31% | -6.55% | -0.24% | 5.12% | 11.34% | 17.71% | 17.46% | 30.10% | 31.28% | 30.24% | 29.57% | 16.67% | 14.47% | |||||||
| Super Micro Computer Inc. | 3.68% | 4.40% | 5.70% | 6.09% | 7.42% | 8.23% | 8.08% | 9.72% | 9.40% | 9.65% | 10.68% | 10.64% | 10.39% | 8.75% | 6.45% | 4.52% | 3.27% | 3.20% | 3.48% | 2.79% | 2.85% | 2.52% | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
1 Q2 2026 Calculation
Operating profit margin = 100
× (Operating incomeQ2 2026
+ Operating incomeQ1 2026
+ Operating incomeQ4 2025
+ Operating incomeQ3 2025)
÷ (Net salesQ2 2026
+ Net salesQ1 2026
+ Net salesQ4 2025
+ Net salesQ3 2025)
= 100 × (35,885 + 50,852 + 32,427 + 28,202)
÷ (111,184 + 143,756 + 102,466 + 94,036)
= 32.64%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The operating profit margin exhibits a consistent long-term upward trajectory over the analyzed period, moving from 25.24% in December 2020 to 32.64% by March 2026. This growth indicates a sustained improvement in operational efficiency and a strengthened ability to convert net sales into operating income.
- Margin Expansion Phases
- An initial period of rapid expansion is observed between December 2020 and December 2021, where the margin increased from 25.24% to 30.90%. This was followed by a phase of relative stability and slight contraction between March 2022 and April 2023, with the ratio fluctuating between 30.93% and 29.16%.
- A second, more gradual and consistent growth phase occurred from July 2023 through March 2026, during which the margin climbed steadily from 29.23% to a peak of 32.64%.
- Analysis of Revenue and Income Volatility
- A distinct seasonal pattern is evident in both net sales and operating income, with significant peaks occurring every December. For instance, net sales reached their highest recorded level of 143,756 million USD in December 2025, accompanied by a peak operating income of 50,852 million USD.
- Despite these large quarterly swings in absolute nominal values, the operating profit margin remained remarkably stable and trended upward, suggesting that the cost structure is scalable and that operational expenses are efficiently managed relative to the seasonal surges in revenue.
- Operational Efficiency Insights
- The divergence between the volatile quarterly sales figures and the steadily increasing profit margin suggests a shift toward higher-margin revenue streams or a successful implementation of cost-reduction strategies. The ability to maintain a margin above 30% for the majority of the period from 2021 onward highlights a robust operational framework.
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Net Profit Margin
Apple Inc., net profit margin calculation (quarterly data)
| Mar 28, 2026 | Dec 27, 2025 | Sep 27, 2025 | Jun 28, 2025 | Mar 29, 2025 | Dec 28, 2024 | Sep 28, 2024 | Jun 29, 2024 | Mar 30, 2024 | Dec 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 | Jun 25, 2022 | Mar 26, 2022 | Dec 25, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | Jun 26, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | Dec 26, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 29,578) | 42,097) | 27,466) | 23,434) | 24,780) | 36,330) | 14,736) | 21,448) | 23,636) | 33,916) | 22,956) | 19,881) | 24,160) | 29,998) | 20,721) | 19,442) | 25,010) | 34,630) | 20,551) | 21,744) | 23,630) | 28,755) | |||||||
| Net sales | 111,184) | 143,756) | 102,466) | 94,036) | 95,359) | 124,300) | 94,930) | 85,777) | 90,753) | 119,575) | 89,498) | 81,797) | 94,836) | 117,154) | 90,146) | 82,959) | 97,278) | 123,945) | 83,360) | 81,434) | 89,584) | 111,439) | |||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net profit margin1 | 27.15% | 27.04% | 26.92% | 24.30% | 24.30% | 24.30% | 23.97% | 26.44% | 26.31% | 26.16% | 25.31% | 24.68% | 24.49% | 24.56% | 25.31% | 25.71% | 26.41% | 26.58% | 25.88% | 25.00% | 23.45% | 21.73% | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Profit Margin, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arista Networks Inc. | — | — | 38.99% | 39.73% | 40.89% | 40.72% | 40.73% | 40.29% | 39.01% | 37.64% | 35.62% | 33.97% | 32.48% | 31.24% | 30.87% | 29.63% | 29.55% | 29.54% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Cisco Systems Inc. | 18.76% | 17.90% | 17.97% | 17.60% | 16.96% | 17.73% | 19.18% | 21.88% | 23.49% | 23.40% | 22.13% | 20.89% | 21.26% | 22.00% | 22.91% | 23.28% | 22.94% | 22.44% | 21.26% | 20.92% | 21.09% | 21.76% | |||||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | 4.77% | 4.72% | 4.81% | 4.49% | 4.41% | 4.04% | 3.63% | 2.92% | 2.03% | 2.01% | 2.39% | 1.74% | 5.07% | 5.49% | 5.50% | 6.83% | 3.92% | 4.21% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Lumentum Holdings Inc. | 11.95% | 6.11% | 1.57% | -29.87% | -36.98% | -40.70% | -40.21% | -24.91% | -18.52% | -12.62% | -7.45% | -2.02% | 1.56% | 6.61% | 11.61% | 11.04% | 22.57% | 23.68% | 22.80% | 21.60% | 11.11% | 9.22% | |||||||
| Super Micro Computer Inc. | 3.11% | 3.77% | 4.77% | 5.34% | 6.94% | 7.55% | 7.69% | 8.88% | 7.92% | 8.29% | 8.98% | 8.93% | 8.70% | 7.38% | 5.49% | 3.96% | 3.00% | 2.89% | 3.14% | 2.69% | 2.71% | 2.56% | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
1 Q2 2026 Calculation
Net profit margin = 100
× (Net incomeQ2 2026
+ Net incomeQ1 2026
+ Net incomeQ4 2025
+ Net incomeQ3 2025)
÷ (Net salesQ2 2026
+ Net salesQ1 2026
+ Net salesQ4 2025
+ Net salesQ3 2025)
= 100 × (29,578 + 42,097 + 27,466 + 23,434)
÷ (111,184 + 143,756 + 102,466 + 94,036)
= 27.15%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The net profit margin exhibits a general upward trajectory over the analyzed period, reflecting an increase in operational efficiency and profitability relative to revenue. The margin grew from 21.73% in December 2020 to a peak of 27.15% by March 2026, despite intermittent fluctuations.
- Margin Growth and Stabilization
- An initial period of expansion is observed between December 2020 and December 2021, where the net profit margin rose steadily from 21.73% to 26.58%. Following this peak, the margin entered a phase of relative stabilization, generally fluctuating between 24% and 26% from March 2022 through June 2024. A brief dip to 23.97% occurred in September 2024, which was subsequently followed by a recovery and a sustained climb toward the final recorded value of 27.15% in March 2026.
- Seasonal Profitability Patterns
- A consistent seasonal pattern is evident in both net sales and net income, with significant peaks occurring every December. For instance, net sales reached highs of 123,945 million in December 2021, 119,575 million in December 2023, and 143,756 million in December 2025. These surges in volume typically coincide with maintained or improved net profit margins, suggesting that the increase in year-end sales does not come at the expense of profitability.
- Revenue and Income Correlation
- The relationship between net sales and net income demonstrates strong scalability. While sales figures fluctuate quarterly, the net profit margin remains resilient, rarely dipping below 24% after the initial 2020 period. The most significant growth in absolute profit is observed in the December 2025 quarter, where net income reached 42,097 million on sales of 143,756 million, resulting in a margin of 27.04%.
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Return on Equity (ROE)
Apple Inc., ROE calculation (quarterly data)
| Mar 28, 2026 | Dec 27, 2025 | Sep 27, 2025 | Jun 28, 2025 | Mar 29, 2025 | Dec 28, 2024 | Sep 28, 2024 | Jun 29, 2024 | Mar 30, 2024 | Dec 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 | Jun 25, 2022 | Mar 26, 2022 | Dec 25, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | Jun 26, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | Dec 26, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 29,578) | 42,097) | 27,466) | 23,434) | 24,780) | 36,330) | 14,736) | 21,448) | 23,636) | 33,916) | 22,956) | 19,881) | 24,160) | 29,998) | 20,721) | 19,442) | 25,010) | 34,630) | 20,551) | 21,744) | 23,630) | 28,755) | |||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | 106,491) | 88,190) | 73,733) | 65,830) | 66,796) | 66,758) | 56,950) | 66,708) | 74,194) | 74,100) | 62,146) | 60,274) | 62,158) | 56,727) | 50,672) | 58,107) | 67,399) | 71,932) | 63,090) | 64,280) | 69,178) | 66,224) | |||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROE1 | 115.10% | 133.55% | 151.91% | 150.81% | 145.66% | 144.03% | 164.59% | 152.84% | 135.31% | 136.18% | 156.08% | 157.22% | 151.74% | 167.77% | 196.96% | 171.46% | 151.24% | 139.79% | 150.07% | 135.04% | 110.31% | 96.54% | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROE, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arista Networks Inc. | — | — | 28.39% | 28.19% | 29.83% | 29.93% | 28.54% | 28.82% | 29.20% | 29.11% | 28.91% | 29.22% | 29.18% | 28.46% | 27.68% | 26.56% | 25.84% | 22.46% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Cisco Systems Inc. | 23.21% | 22.04% | 21.73% | 21.32% | 20.18% | 20.75% | 22.70% | 26.47% | 29.06% | 30.04% | 28.44% | 27.12% | 27.25% | 28.56% | 29.70% | 29.72% | 29.94% | 26.69% | 25.66% | 25.41% | 25.89% | 27.42% | |||||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 75.81% | 78.28% | 114.54% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Lumentum Holdings Inc. | 29.72% | 14.41% | 2.28% | -50.02% | -59.93% | -62.62% | -57.09% | -30.10% | -20.86% | -15.19% | -9.71% | -2.39% | 1.85% | 7.67% | 10.61% | 9.71% | 19.05% | 20.88% | 20.14% | 17.15% | 9.84% | 8.53% | |||||||
| Super Micro Computer Inc. | 12.48% | 12.15% | 16.64% | 18.04% | 23.16% | 24.16% | 21.28% | 20.59% | 23.80% | 28.29% | 32.45% | 33.21% | 31.80% | 27.33% | 20.00% | 14.41% | 10.53% | 9.77% | 10.20% | 8.65% | 8.32% | 7.88% | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
1 Q2 2026 Calculation
ROE = 100
× (Net incomeQ2 2026
+ Net incomeQ1 2026
+ Net incomeQ4 2025
+ Net incomeQ3 2025)
÷ Shareholders’ equity
= 100 × (29,578 + 42,097 + 27,466 + 23,434)
÷ 106,491 = 115.10%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial trajectory demonstrates a period of exceptionally high capital efficiency followed by a gradual normalization of profitability ratios. A significant expansion in Return on Equity (ROE) was observed between late 2020 and late 2022, characterized by a simultaneous increase in net income and a contraction of the shareholders' equity base.
- Return on Equity Trend Analysis
- ROE experienced a sharp ascent from 96.54% in December 2020 to a peak of 196.96% in September 2022. Following this peak, the ratio entered a phase of stabilization and moderate volatility, generally fluctuating between 135% and 165% from December 2022 through September 2024. A downward trend emerged in the final quarters of the period, with ROE declining to 115.10% by March 2026.
- Shareholders' Equity Dynamics
- The equity base exhibited a notable contraction during the initial phase of the analysis, reaching a low of 50.67 billion in September 2022. This reduction in equity contributed heavily to the surge in ROE. However, a structural shift occurred starting in late 2023, as shareholders' equity began a consistent upward climb, eventually reaching 106.49 billion by March 2026. This represents a substantial increase in the capital base compared to the 2020-2022 period.
- Net Income and Profitability Correlation
- Net income displays a consistent seasonal pattern with recurring peaks every December, reaching its highest quarterly value of 42.10 billion in December 2025. Despite these strong earnings, the ROE has trended lower in the most recent periods. The compression of the ROE from 151.91% in June 2025 to 115.10% in March 2026 is primarily driven by the rapid growth of shareholders' equity, which has outpaced the growth in net income, thereby diluting the return per unit of equity.
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Return on Assets (ROA)
Apple Inc., ROA calculation (quarterly data)
| Mar 28, 2026 | Dec 27, 2025 | Sep 27, 2025 | Jun 28, 2025 | Mar 29, 2025 | Dec 28, 2024 | Sep 28, 2024 | Jun 29, 2024 | Mar 30, 2024 | Dec 30, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 | Apr 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Sep 24, 2022 | Jun 25, 2022 | Mar 26, 2022 | Dec 25, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | Jun 26, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | Dec 26, 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 29,578) | 42,097) | 27,466) | 23,434) | 24,780) | 36,330) | 14,736) | 21,448) | 23,636) | 33,916) | 22,956) | 19,881) | 24,160) | 29,998) | 20,721) | 19,442) | 25,010) | 34,630) | 20,551) | 21,744) | 23,630) | 28,755) | |||||||
| Total assets | 371,082) | 379,297) | 359,241) | 331,495) | 331,233) | 344,085) | 364,980) | 331,612) | 337,411) | 353,514) | 352,583) | 335,038) | 332,160) | 346,747) | 352,755) | 336,309) | 350,662) | 381,191) | 351,002) | 329,840) | 337,158) | 354,054) | |||||||
| Profitability Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROA1 | 33.03% | 31.05% | 31.18% | 29.95% | 29.37% | 27.94% | 25.68% | 30.75% | 29.75% | 28.55% | 27.51% | 28.28% | 28.40% | 27.45% | 28.29% | 29.63% | 29.07% | 26.38% | 26.97% | 26.32% | 22.63% | 18.06% | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ROA, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arista Networks Inc. | — | — | 18.05% | 18.60% | 19.67% | 20.86% | 20.31% | 20.74% | 21.18% | 21.69% | 20.98% | 20.96% | 20.88% | 20.11% | 19.96% | 18.90% | 17.77% | 15.27% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Cisco Systems Inc. | 8.98% | 8.53% | 8.32% | 8.17% | 7.57% | 7.62% | 8.29% | 9.85% | 13.29% | 13.75% | 12.38% | 11.76% | 11.79% | 12.36% | 12.57% | 12.94% | 12.54% | 11.87% | 10.86% | 10.88% | 10.60% | 11.01% | |||||||
| Dell Technologies Inc. | 5.42% | 5.25% | 5.76% | 5.15% | 4.90% | 4.52% | 3.91% | 3.20% | 2.22% | 2.32% | 2.73% | 2.15% | 6.11% | 6.50% | 6.00% | 5.00% | 3.08% | 3.28% | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Lumentum Holdings Inc. | 5.24% | 2.44% | 0.61% | -11.07% | -13.18% | -14.13% | -13.90% | -8.42% | -5.72% | -4.38% | -2.84% | -0.84% | 0.65% | 2.67% | 4.78% | 4.49% | 10.65% | 11.70% | 11.19% | 9.91% | 5.45% | 4.58% | |||||||
| Super Micro Computer Inc. | 3.12% | 5.51% | 7.48% | 10.72% | 14.85% | 13.09% | 11.73% | 11.84% | 13.55% | 14.96% | 17.42% | 18.39% | 18.81% | 13.45% | 8.90% | 5.98% | 4.67% | 4.56% | 4.99% | 4.56% | 4.67% | 4.65% | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2026-03-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-12-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2025-09-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-06-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2025-03-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-12-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-09-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-06-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2024-03-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-12-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-09-30), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-07-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2023-04-01), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-09-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-06-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2022-03-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-12-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-09-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-06-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2021-03-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2020-12-26).
1 Q2 2026 Calculation
ROA = 100
× (Net incomeQ2 2026
+ Net incomeQ1 2026
+ Net incomeQ4 2025
+ Net incomeQ3 2025)
÷ Total assets
= 100 × (29,578 + 42,097 + 27,466 + 23,434)
÷ 371,082 = 33.03%
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of the Return on Assets (ROA) reveals a sustained upward trajectory over the observed period, indicating a significant increase in the efficiency with which the organization generates profit from its asset base. Starting at 18.06% in December 2020, the ROA progressed to a peak of 33.03% by March 2026.
- ROA Growth Phases
- An initial acceleration is observed between December 2020 and September 2021, where ROA climbed from 18.06% to 26.97%. This was followed by a period of relative stabilization between 2022 and 2023, with values generally oscillating between 27% and 30%. A final growth phase is evident from late 2024 through early 2026, culminating in the highest recorded efficiency level of 33.03%.
- Net Income Seasonality and Asset Stability
- Net income demonstrates consistent seasonal volatility, with marked peaks occurring every December. These peaks—reaching 42,097 million in December 2025—contrast with the relative stability of total assets, which remained largely within the 330,000 to 380,000 million range. This dynamic suggests that the long-term increase in ROA is primarily driven by earnings growth and improved profitability rather than a contraction of the asset base.
- Short-term Performance Fluctuations
- A notable contraction in ROA occurred in September 2024, dropping to 25.68%. This decline coincided with a quarterly dip in net income to 14,736 million while total assets increased to 364,980 million. This temporary decline was followed by a rapid recovery in December 2024, returning the ROA to 27.94%, subsequently continuing the upward trend into 2025 and 2026.
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