Apple revealed its fiscal 2025 first-quarter results on Thursday, showcasing a positive performance. The company reported $124.3 billion in quarterly revenue, marking a 4% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, diluted earnings per share rose by 10%, reaching $2.40.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO said,
“Today Apple is reporting our best quarter ever, with revenue of $124.3 billion, up 4 percent from a year ago. We were thrilled to bring customers our best-ever lineup of products and services during the holiday season. Through the power of Apple silicon, we’re unlocking new possibilities for our users with Apple Intelligence, which makes apps and experiences even better and more personal. And we’re excited that Apple Intelligence will be available in even more languages this April.”
Net Sales Three Months Ended (December 28, 2024 Vs December 30, 2023)
Overall Revenue Rises but iPhone Sales Down
Despite the positive growth in overall revenue, iPhone sales were down. The company earned $69.1 billion from iPhone sales during the last quarter of 2024. It reported a significant drop in revenue from the Chinese market compared to the previous year.
Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO also noted,
“Our record revenue and strong operating margins drove EPS to a new all-time record with double-digit growth and allowed us to return over $30 billion to shareholders. We are also pleased that our installed base of active devices has reached a new all-time high across all products and geographic segments.”
Apple Shares Surge
However, Apple’s shares jumped following the earnings announcement which indicates its future growth trajectory and investor confidence.
Another turning point for Apple was the release of the Chinese AI DeepSeek R1 recently. The AI tool quickly climbed to the top of the iOS app store, surpassing ChatGPT and even Meta’s AI tools. Consequently, Apple’s shares rose by over 3%, making CEO Tim Cook $23 million richer.
Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Apple’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality
Apple aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire carbon footprint by 2030. The company has laid out ambitious strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 75% compared to 2015 levels.
-
For 2023, Apple’s total net carbon footprint was down to 15,600,000 mtCO2e from 20,300,000 mtCO2e in 2022.
In 2020 the company became carbon neutral for its corporate operations. They achieved this huge milestone by:
• Improving energy efficiency by sourcing 100% renewable electricity for all facilities,
• Offsetting emissions that were harder to eliminate with high-quality carbon credits.
Renewable Energy Adoption
Apple continues to prioritize clean energy. In 2023, the company’s suppliers procured 16.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, generating 25.5 million megawatt-hours of clean power.
• Notably these efforts helped avoid 18.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023—a 6.5% improvement over 2022.
Additionally, Apple’s offices, retail stores, and data centers are powered entirely by renewable electricity, with energy efficiency measures constantly optimized.
The company’s efforts extend beyond facilities. Apple also focuses on its product designs and materials, actively working to reduce the carbon intensity of its products and increase the use of recycled materials.
In 2023, 22% of materials used in Apple products came from renewable or recycled sources. But Apple wants to transition to 100% recycled cobalt, tin, gold, and rare earth elements by 2025.
Apple’s comprehensive carbon footprint 2023
Energy Efficiency in Products
Product energy use accounts for 29% of Apple’s overall carbon footprint. To address this, Apple designs its hardware and software with energy efficiency in mind. For instance, the Mac devices powered by Apple silicon have significantly improved energy performance. Chips introduced in 2023 enabled Mac devices like the Mac mini with M2 to consume less power while delivering higher performance.
Investing in Nature-Based Solutions
Apple’s Restore Fund highlights its commitment to nature-based carbon removal. In March 2024, key manufacturing partners, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Murata, joined Apple’s $280 million investment in the fund. Managed by Climate Asset Management, this initiative not only aims to scale carbon removals but also supports local communities through economic development and ecological benefits.
Apple’s Investment in High-Quality Carbon Credits
Apple continues to offset emissions through high-quality carbon credits, supporting projects that restore ecosystems and benefit local communities.
Protecting Kenya’s Chyulu Hills
The Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project spans 410,000 hectares in southeastern Kenya, focusing on forest conservation and biodiversity restoration. It protects wildlife while creating sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and local communities. In 2023, Apple retired 230,000 mtCO2e credits from this project, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Reforesting China’s Barren Lands
The Guinan Afforestation Project in Guizhou, China, plants trees across 46,000 hectares of degraded land. This initiative enhances biodiversity, conserves soil and water, and provides jobs for local communities. Apple retired 255,000 mtCO2e credits from the 2019–2021 vintages.
Apple’s progress toward carbon neutrality
These projects showcase Apple’s commitment to impactful carbon removal and sustainable development. Through these comprehensive initiatives, Apple continues to march toward a sustainable future and achieve its 2030 net zero goals.
All in all, with a revenue boom and low emissions, Apple shines in 2025.
FURTHER READING:
