Is now the right time to dive headfirst into Apple’s AAPL stock? Complete with a surge of +7% today, the tech giant renowned for iPhones has hit fresh 52-week highs following its collaboration with OpenAI to infuse ChatGPT into its lineup and services. The question lingers in investors’ minds – to buy or not as Apple gears up for an innovative transformation of its operating system?
Apple Embraces Artificial Intelligence Revolution
Adding to the roster of tech behemoths leveraging the power of AI, Apple joins forces with OpenAI to step into the world of generative AI chatbots. Apple now stands shoulder to shoulder with Alphabet’s GOOGL, Meta Platforms’ META, and Microsoft MSFT in this forward march.
Siri, Apple’s iconic voice-controlled virtual assistant, is set to undergo AI chatbot enhancements as part of Apple Intelligence – the company’s AI platform slated for integration into iOS 18. This forthcoming OS promises a tech overhaul for Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and smartwatch.
Stock Performance and Valuation Insights
Surging past $200 per share recently, Apple’s stock basks in a +7% gain, placing it in the green for the year. While outperforming the benchmark S&P 500 by a whisker, Apple slightly trails peers like Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq boasting a +15% rally for the year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Trading at 29.3X forward earnings, Apple’s valuation carries a slight premium compared to Meta Platforms and Alphabet, albeit below Microsoft’s 36.3X P/E multiple as well as the benchmark’s 21.7X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Growth Trajectory and Projections
According to Zacks estimates, Apple’s sales are set to remain on a nearly flat trajectory for fiscal 2024, with a projected 5% uptick in FY25 to reach $405.81 billion. Noteworthy is Apple’s robust top-line performance, outshining its tech peers – the closest in sales being Alphabet, expected to breach the $300 billion milestone next year.
On the earnings front, Apple’s annual profits are anticipated to grow by 7% this year, with a further 9% surge eyed for FY25, targeting $7.21 per share.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Final Insights
While it remains premature to deem Apple at a pivotal juncture due to its AI strides, AAPL currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Yet, astute investors might find more opportune moments after the dust settles from the recent upswing attributed to the Apple Intelligence unveiling and OpenAI partnership.
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From a medical marvel gaining +11,000% in 15 years to a robust rental player and a dividend-boosting energy giant, the opportunities are ripe. Keep an eye on the aerospace standout clinching a potential $80 billion deal and the chipmaker erecting colossal plants in the U.S.