Apple (AAPLcapcomarcadegames.US) gapped and opened higher, rising 8% at the beginning of the session at US$187, and its stock price hit a new high since February 12. Apple's fiscal second quarter revenue was better than expected and announced its largest evercapcomarcadegamesA $110 billion share repurchase plan, while increasing dividends by 4% to 25 cents per share. The company said it is studying artificial intelligence and sees it as an important source of opportunity.

Apple announced its fiscal second-quarter results after the close of trading on Thursday. Net profit recorded US$23.64 billion, down 2% year-on-year. Earned US$1.53 per share, which was higher than the market estimate of US$1.5. The dividend per share was 25 US cents, an increase of 1 US cent; Sales revenue fell 4% year-on-year to US$90.75 billion, higher than analysts 'expectations of US$90.33 billion.