Trading Signals - AAPL (Apple)

Aries Yuangga, Wakil Penasihat Berjangka

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Stock Analysis: Navigating Mixed Signals Ahead of Earnings Release

Summary

Apple Inc. (AAPL), a global technology leader, is approaching its first-quarter fiscal 2024 earnings with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. The company is expected to report on Feb. 1, with analysts predicting a year-over-year (YOY) quarterly revenue gain and the best earnings per share (EPS) in two years. This optimism is primarily fueled by the iPhone 15's performance and growing service sales.

Based on the chart provided for Apple Inc. and the trading setup parameters:

Technical Analysis

  • Uptrend Line: The chart shows Apple Inc. in a strong uptrend, indicated by the ascending trendline. This line has been acting as dynamic support for the price action over an extended period.

  • Potential Correction: There is a potential for a price correction to the Fibonacci retracement levels at .5, .382, and .236, which correspond to the price levels of approximately $182, $178.70, and $173.73, respectively.

  • Fibonacci Retracement Levels: These levels are often where traders look for potential buying opportunities in a healthy uptrend, anticipating a bounce back toward the uptrend.

Trading Setup

  • Buy Area: Around the trendline and Fibonacci retracement levels, between $173.73 and $182.

  • Stop Loss: Around $163, which is below the .236 Fibonacci level and recent swing lows.

  • Targets: $220, $235, and $254.

  • Potential Loss: The potential loss from the average buy area price would be approximately 8.36% if the stop loss is triggered.

  • Potential Gains:

    • To the first target at $220: The potential gain is approximately 23.69%.

    • To the second target at $235: The potential gain is approximately 32.12%.

    • To the third target at $254: The potential gain is approximately 42.80%.

These potential gains suggest a favorable risk-reward ratio for the setup. Traders should still manage their risk according to their trading plan and consider the size of their position to ensure it aligns with their risk management strategy. The provided analysis does not constitute financial advice. ​​

Financial Expectations

Analysts forecast Apple to report a net income of $32.56 billion, marking its highest since Q1 of fiscal 2022, and an 11% YOY increase in EPS to $2.09. Revenue is anticipated to climb modestly by less than 1%, marking the first gain since Q4 of fiscal 2022. The focus is on iPhone sales, expected to reach $68.4 billion, driven by the early sales of the iPhone 15 series.

Product Launch and Market Response

Apple's recent launch of the Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computing hardware, has garnered mixed reactions. Despite the hype, the device failed to sell out on launch day, with the higher capacity models initially available for in-store pickup. This lukewarm response, coupled with the device's weight concerns and limited third-party app support (notably from YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix), suggests potential challenges in gaining traction in the AR and VR market.

Legal and Competitive Landscape

Apple faces legal challenges, including a ban on U.S. sales of certain Apple Watches and a potential major antitrust case over alleged anticompetitive practices with the iPhone. These issues, along with customer preferences for holding onto phones longer, could impact Apple's momentum through 2024.

Stock Performance

Despite these challenges, Apple shares have risen sharply, climbing close to 32% in the trailing 12-month period. This growth reflects the market's confidence in Apple's ability to navigate through a complex business environment.

Conclusion

As Apple Inc. prepares to release its Q1 fiscal 2024 earnings, the company stands at a crossroads. While the iPhone 15's success and service sales offer a positive outlook, the mixed response to the Apple Vision Pro and looming legal challenges present potential hurdles. Investors and analysts will closely watch the earnings release to gauge Apple's ability to sustain its growth trajectory amidst these diverse challenges.


*Disclaimer:

This analysis is based on historical price movements and technical indicators. Investors are advised to conduct their own research and consult with financial advisors. The stock market is inherently volatile, and past performance does not guarantee future results. This information is provided for general information purposes only. Consider your investment objectives, financial resources and other relevant circumstances carefully before investing. This is not an invitation or an offer to invest, nor is it financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any investment.

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