Apple vs. Microsoft: What Their Revenue Trends Reveal for Investors – The Motley Fool

Apple (AAPL +1.26%) designs and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, and wearables worldwide, and it operates various platforms like the App Store alongside subscription-based services such as Apple TV+ and Apple Music.
It recently announced an expansion of its specialized data centers and introduced lower-priced smartphone models. The company reported an approximately 27% net income margin for the quarter ended March 28, 2026.
Microsoft (MSFT 0.12%) develops and licenses software, cloud services, and devices globally, operating primarily through its Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing segments.
While implementing a voluntary retirement program and targeted workforce reductions to redirect resources toward new infrastructure in support of artificial intelligence, it generated an approximately 46% EBIT margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Revenue represents the total money brought in before any expenses are subtracted, which helps investors gauge a company's overall sales momentum and track its historical growth trajectory.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Data source: Company filings. Data as of May 19, 2026.
Comparing revenue trends between Apple and Microsoft reveal the former’s penchant for seasonal swings, with the fourth quarter’s holiday period being its biggest sales driver. Microsoft is steadily growing revenue thanks to the AI tailwind.
Even so, Christmas came early for Apple this year as its stock soared to a 52-week high of $311.40 on May 22. The company is getting a new CEO on Sept. 1, which has been viewed favorably by Wall Street, and the company posted strong results for its fiscal Q2 ended March 28. Its $111.2 billion in sales represented excellent 17% year-over-year growth, with revenue from its services segment reaching an all-time high of $31 billion.
Microsoft’s stock took a hit earlier in 2026, dropping to a 52-week low of $356.28 on March 30, as investors became concerned the company was spending too much on tech infrastructure. Its capital expenditures of $31.9 billion was a 49% year-over-year increase.
However, that spending supports Microsoft’s AI expansion. Its $82.9 billion in sales for its fiscal third quarter, ended March 31, represented 18% year-over-year growth, as its AI business exceeded an annual revenue run rate of $37 billion, up a whopping 123% year over year.
The year-over-year sales growth for Microsoft and Apple highlight the success of their respective businesses. These former rivals are headed in different directions as Microsoft focuses on AI while Apple continues to capitalize on the appeal of its products and services.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in Apple and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.
Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.
Making the world smarter, happier, and richer.
© 1995 – 2026 The Motley Fool. All rights reserved.
Market data powered by Xignite and Polygon.io.
About The Motley Fool
Our Services
Around the Globe
Free Tools
Affiliates & Friends
One tech giant delivers record-setting sales surges, while the other posts unwavering growth. Recent earnings reveal how each strategy plays out over time.

source