Apple beats on iPhone sales but a softer margin forecast sends the stock lower
CNBC lines up the quarter against estimates and explains why most analysts still like the stock despite the outlook.
Apple reported fiscal fourth-quarter results on Monday, November 2: earnings of $2.10 a share against $1.99 expected by analysts polled by LSEG, and revenue of $114.48 billion against $113.39 billion expected. iPhone sales of $57.58 billion beat the $56.54 billion consensus, while iPad and other product sales fell short.
Apple forecast a gross margin of 45% to 46% for the current quarter, below the average analyst estimate of 46.3%, and the shares slid about 4% in premarket trading on Tuesday. CNBC notes the stock was up about 24% for the year and reports that analysts, including at Goldman Sachs, still see the results as a temporary blip.