Editing Apple Inc. (section)

=== Financial Performance: A Year of Records   ===
Apple’s financial performance in 2018 was exceptional, with record-breaking revenue of $265.6 billion, a 16% increase from the previous year. The company’s net income stood at $59.5 billion, supported by a gross margin of 38.3%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supplychain247.com/article/is_apples_supply_chain_really_the_no._1_a_case_study |quote=Apple's inventory turnover is 59, indicating high efficiency in supply chain management. }}</ref> Operational efficiency was a key driver of this success, with Apple’s supply chain management ensuring minimal waste and maximum agility. The company’s inventory turnover rate of 59 highlighted its resource management prowess.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supplychain247.com/article/is_apples_supply_chain_really_the_no._1_a_case_study |quote=Apple's inventory turnover is 59, indicating high efficiency in supply chain management. }}</ref> Additionally, an operating margin of 26.7% and a return on equity (ROE) of 49.1% underscored its financial health.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/apple-breaches-1-trillion-stock-market-valuation-idUSKBN1KN2BS/ |quote=Apple became the first publicly listed U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market valuation in August 2018. }}</ref>  

A defining moment came in August 2018 when Apple became the first publicly listed U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market valuation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/apple-breaches-1-trillion-stock-market-valuation-idUSKBN1KN2BS/ |quote=Apple became the first publicly listed U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market valuation in August 2018. }}</ref> Despite a 5.9% decline in stock price over the year, Apple’s aggressive stock buyback programme, which reduced outstanding shares, played a significant role in achieving this milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/02/apple-hits-1-trillion-in-market-value.html |quote=Apple's stock buybacks were a factor in reaching the $1 trillion market valuation. }}</ref> These metrics collectively painted a picture of a company excelling in revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency, cementing its status as a global tech leader.