Apple's (AAPL +3.26%) 53-week fiscal 2017, which ended on Sept. 30, was packed with news, including a significant increase to its capital return program, double-digit earnings growth, and lots of new products. During the fiscal year, Apple launched its redesigned MacBook Pro, Siri-enabled wireless AirPods, updated iMacs, new iPad Pros, the new Apple TV 4K, the Apple Watch Series 3 with built-in cellular connectivity, and the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.
Of course, products launched just before the fiscal year started helped shape the year as well. The September 2016-launched iPhone 7 and 7 Plus reinvigorated iPhone sales, and the launch of the Apple Watch Series 2 during the same month helped drive strong growth in wearables.
Apple CEO Tim Cook on the day of the iPhone 8 launch. Image source: Apple.
Here's a look back at Apple's fiscal 2017 with the help of four insightful charts.
Apple stock soared
There's no denying Apple's ability to impress investors recently. The stock has soared more than 50% in the past twelve months -- a period that included earnings reports from all four quarters for fiscal 2017. Investors cheered as the company returned to growth in the first fiscal quarter of 2017 and witnessed accelerating growth throughout the year.
Two segments are growing rapidly
Two of Apple's product segments have been growing at impressive rates recently, contributing meaningfully to Apple's revenue growth throughout the year. Services, which includes revenue from the App Store, iTunes, AppleCare, Apple Pay, licensing, and other services, saw revenue increase 23% year over year in fiscal 2017. Other products revenue, which includes sales of Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, AirPods, iPod, and accessories, climbed about 16% during the same period.
Data source: Apple quarterly SEC filings. Chart source: author.
iPhone still counts for the bulk of Apple's total sales
Despite three segments -- services, other products, and Mac -- seeing faster growth than iPhone during 2017, Apple's smartphone segment is still the company's bread and butter. The product segment accounted for a whopping 62% of revenue in fiscal 2017.
Data source: Apple's quarterly SEC filings. Chart source: author.
iPhone revenue is rebounding
Though iPhone revenue hasn't quite returned to fiscal 2015 levels, Apple's smartphone segment did return to year-over-year growth on the heels of its iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launch. iPhone revenue in fiscal 2017 was up more than 3% year over year.
Data source: Apple's quarterly SEC filings. Chart source: author.
Driving results where it counts
Combining Apple's growing revenue and net income in 2017 with the company's massive share repurchase program, earnings-per-share growth came easily during the period. With net income rising about 6% year over year and total stock repurchases in fiscal 2017 amounting to about $33 billion, Apple's earnings per share jumped from $8.31 in fiscal 2016 to $9.21 in fiscal 2017.
Apple's earnings-per-share growth in its most recent quarter was particularly impressive, rising 24% year over year on revenue growth during the period of just 12%.
Looking ahead, Apple looks positioned for sustained growth in fiscal 2018. Beyond its iPhone 8 and 8 Plus launch in September, Apple launched its long-awaited special 10th-anniversary iPhone X in November, and Apple CEO Tim Cook said he is "bullish" on its iPhone segment after seeing initial demand for the new devices -- sentiment Apple's optimistic guidance for its first quarter reinforces. Add in strong momentum in services, other products, and Mac, and Apple looks poised for another impressive year.
