Apple Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings, Exceeding Expectations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Fool
- Significant Earnings Growth: Apple reported a 15.7% year-over-year revenue increase and an 18.3% rise in earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2026, surpassing Wall Street analyst expectations, indicating robust market performance and profitability.
- Strong iPhone Sales: Demand for the iPhone surged, with revenue growing 23% year-over-year and setting all-time records across all geographic segments, as iPhones accounted for 59% of Apple's total revenue last quarter, reinforcing its market dominance.
- Insufficient AI Investment: Despite concerns over maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence, Apple is investing significantly less in AI compared to its big tech peers, with the upgraded Siri voice assistant's release delayed again, now planned for later this year, potentially impacting its competitive edge in the AI sector.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management expects Q2 2026 revenue to rise between 13% and 16% year-over-year, which would drive higher EPS, and while market predictions are uncertain, Apple remains a high-quality long-term investment option due to its strong brand and financials.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 274.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 274.230
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

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- Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing: Apple announced the establishment of a new factory in Houston for Mac mini production, marking the first time this product will be made in the U.S., which is expected to create thousands of jobs and further solidify Apple's position in American manufacturing.
- Advanced Manufacturing Center: Apple will open a 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston to provide training in advanced manufacturing skills, helping students and businesses enhance their technical capabilities and drive the future of U.S. manufacturing.
- AI Server Production Ahead of Schedule: The production of advanced AI servers in Houston has commenced ahead of schedule, with servers being used in data centers nationwide, demonstrating Apple's ongoing leadership in technological innovation and production efficiency.
- Investment and Partnerships: Since committing to a $600 billion investment last year, Apple has exceeded its target by sourcing over 20 billion U.S.-made chips, further advancing the U.S. semiconductor industry and its partnerships with local manufacturers.
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- Portfolio Concentration: Berkshire Hathaway's fourth-quarter 13F filing reveals that five stocks account for 61% of its $318 billion investment portfolio, with Apple at 19.5%, indicating a highly concentrated investment strategy that may influence future decisions.
- Long-Term Holding Strategy: Coca-Cola and American Express have been long-term holdings since 1988 and 1991, respectively, yielding annual returns of 63% and 39%, reflecting the company's trust in these brands and their stable cash flows.
- Market Valuation Changes: Apple's price-to-earnings ratio has nearly tripled since Buffett's initial purchase in 2016, currently standing at 34, indicating potential overvaluation that may prompt new CEO Abel to reassess the holding strategy.
- Energy Investment Outlook: Abel's familiarity with Chevron's integrated operating model may position it as a focal point for Berkshire's future investments, given its ability to hedge against crude oil price fluctuations, highlighting potential growth opportunities in the energy sector.
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- Leadership Transition: Warren Buffett retired on December 31, 2025, passing the reins to Greg Abel, who will oversee a $318 billion investment portfolio; while Abel is unlikely to significantly alter Buffett's eight 'indefinite' holdings, his focus on value may lead to adjustments in core positions.
- Portfolio Concentration: Berkshire's fourth-quarter 13F filing reveals that nearly 61% of its invested assets are concentrated in just five stocks, indicating a high concentration that Abel must navigate to balance returns and risks effectively.
- Yield Analysis: With cost bases of $3.25 for Coca-Cola and $8.49 for American Express, the current annual yields of 63% and 39% respectively provide no logical incentive for Abel to sell these stocks, potentially leading to further accumulation instead.
- Energy Investment Potential: Having previously served as CEO of MidAmerican Energy, Abel understands energy sector dynamics and may continue to favor Chevron's integrated operating model, particularly as its pipelines and chemical plants can hedge against crude oil price fluctuations.
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- Shipment Decline: IDC's latest forecast indicates that global smartphone shipments will decline nearly 13% year-over-year to 1.1 billion units in 2026, marking the lowest volume in over a decade and highlighting significant challenges for the consumer electronics industry.
- Memory Chip Shortage Impact: The shortage and rising prices of memory chips are pressuring electronics manufacturers, particularly low-end Android smartphone makers, while larger companies like Apple and Samsung are better positioned to absorb the impact.
- Regional Market Disparities: The Middle East and Africa are expected to experience the steepest drop of 20.6%, while the two largest markets, China and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan and China), are projected to decline by 10.5% and 13.1%, respectively, indicating a divergence in global market trends.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple is set to unveil a series of new products, including a low-cost MacBook and iPhone 17e, as it seeks to stimulate sales growth despite market pressures, showcasing its commitment to innovation in a challenging environment.
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