How does AAPL's earnings performance compare to peers?

Apple's (AAPL) earnings performance is robust but shows challenges compared to peers like Microsoft (MSFT) and Alphabet (GOOGL):

1. Earnings Per Share (EPS):
   • AAPL's FY diluted EPS is $6.16, surpassing MSFT's $5.53 and TSLA's $2.04.
   • GOOGL's EPS of $8.04 is higher than AAPL's, indicating stronger earnings power.

2. Revenue Growth:
   • AAPL's FY total revenue is $373.98 billion, slightly higher than TSLA's $637.96 billion but significantly less than GOOGL's $350.02 billion.
   • MSFT, known for its diverse business model, has shown strong revenue growth, indicating operational efficiency and market expansion.
3. Profit Margin Analysis:
   • AAPL's operating profit margin stands at 31.2%, up from 30.1% in the same quarter last year, showing improved profitability.
   • GOOGL's operating margin is notably higher at 46.2%, reflecting efficient operations and strong pricing power.
4. Cash Flow and Stability:
   • AAPL is a cash-generating machine with $108.8 billion in free cash flow, a strong indicator of financial health.
   • This is a key advantage over peers like TSLA, which has faced significant challenges in cash flow management.
5. Dividend and Return to Shareholders:
   • AAPL has a dividend yield of 0.42%, consistent with its history of rewarding shareholders.
   • MSFT, on the other hand, is nearing Dividend Aristocrat status with over 20 years of consistent dividend growth and a yield of 0.84%.
6. Market Sentiment and Analyst Ratings:
   • AAPL has a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating, reflecting a balanced market view.
   • MSFT holds a "Strong Buy" rating, suggesting greater optimism from analysts.

In conclusion, while AAPL demonstrates strong earnings and cash flow, the comparison with peers like MSFT and GOOGL highlights areas for improvement, particularly in revenue scale and operational efficiency.