Apple
Apple's Stock Outlook in 2024: A Tale of Bulls and BersNavigating Apple's Stock Outlook in 2024: A Tale of Bulls and Bears
After a stellar performance in 2023, witnessing a remarkable 48% surge in Apple shares, the tech giant finds itself in a phase of consolidation in the early months of 2024, showing a decline of over 3% year-to-date. This shift prompts investors to ponder the opportune moment to acquire shares in the renowned iPhone maker. This article delves into the contrasting perspectives that shape the current outlook for Apple stock—examining both the bearish and bullish cases.
The Bearish Case:
Revenue Challenges: Apple encountered difficulties in expanding its revenue, marked by a nearly 3% decline in year-over-year revenue in fiscal 2023. iPhone and Mac sales slumped, exacerbated by unfavorable foreign exchange conditions.
Valuation Concerns: The stock's valuation has raised eyebrows, with the price-to-earnings ratio surpassing 30. Despite an annual earning of $97 billion, Apple boasts a market capitalization of $2.9 trillion, demanding sustained robust earnings-per-share growth.
The Bullish Case:
Services Segment Expansion: Apple's services segment, comprising Apple Pay, Apple Music, AppleCare, and App Store revenue, exhibited a notable 16% year-over-year growth in the most recent fiscal quarter. Indicators suggest continued momentum, including the emergence of a significant advertising business and a consistent ability to introduce new services.
Robust Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation: With a net cash and marketable securities position of $51 billion in fiscal Q4, Apple aims for net cash neutrality. The company's judicious approach to share buybacks and dividends, coupled with a strong balance sheet and an annual free cash flow of nearly $100 billion, supports continued substantial repurchases and dividends.
Conclusion:
While Apple faces challenges, including a recent decline in revenue and a valuation that demands sustained growth, there are compelling reasons for optimism. The flourishing services segment, prudent capital allocation, a strong balance sheet, a loyal customer base, and a history of innovation contribute to a credible argument for the tech giant's premium valuation. While caution is advised, investors lacking exposure to Apple might find the current decline an opportune moment to initiate a modest position in this iconic company. As always, thorough research and a balanced consideration of risks and opportunities are crucial in making informed investment decisions.
Our preference
Long positions above 169.50 with targets at 199.60 & 205 in extension.
APPLE What Next? BUY!
My dear friends,
APPLE looks like it will make a good move, and here are the details:
The market is trading on 185.84 pivot level.
Bias - Bullish
Technical Indicators: Supper Trend generates a clear long signal while Pivot Point HL is currently determining the overall Bullish trend of the market.
Goal - 191.12
Recommended Stop Loss - 183.07
About Used Indicators:
Pivot points are a great way to identify areas of support and resistance, but they work best when combined with other kinds of technical analysis
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WISH YOU ALL LUCK
Copper futures. Disinflation is almost there to comeCopper futures fell further to around $3.8 per pound, marking a weekly loss driven by concerns over demand from China and heightened US interest rates.
China's manufacturing sector contracted for the fourth consecutive month in January, contributing to the negative sentiment.
With a robust US jobs report, expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in March have diminished.
Weaker Q1 industrial activity is expected to dampen demand, although Glencore's projected 5% production decline in 2023, along with an anticipated additional drop in 2024, could offset this.
Despite these challenges, there is still hope that China will implement measures to stabilize its economy.
Technical graph illustrates also, 5-years SMA is a massive long term support in this time for Copper futures COMEX:HG1! , as it breakthrough can deliver solid further losses for Copper futures prices, like in 2020 (30% off), in 2014-16 (40% off) and in 2008-09 (50% off).
UBER 80 AFTER EARNINGS !! Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) has seen significant growth in the past year. The ride-hailing and delivery platform’s shares have skyrocketed 111% in the last 12 months1. This return not only far outpaced the broader Nasdaq Composite index, but it also means Uber is now hitting fresh all-time highs1.
Here are some key points to consider for a long position in Uber:
Network Effects: Uber’s business benefits from powerful network effects. The larger Uber gets, the more valuable its services become for all stakeholders2.
Growth Potential: Between Q3 2019 and Q3 2023, gross bookings and revenue increased 114% and 145%, respectively2.
Earnings Forecast: Wall Street analysts expect Uber will release earnings per share of $0.1593. With earnings projections at $9.76 billion, a 5% QoQ increase, and $0.39 earnings per share4.
Market Position: Uber’s network effect protects its competitive position. It would be an extremely difficult task for a new entrant, no matter how well funded, to start a competing ride-hailing or delivery business from scratch
APPLE bounced from trendline, more growth expectedAPPLE
price bounced from the Trendline and price is also above the support area, If price continues to stay above the trendline I expect the price to move higher.
Trade Wisely
*The content on this analysis is subject to change at any time without notice, and is provided for the sole purpose of assisting traders to make independent investment decisions.
AAPL Feb 5th B earish H&S setup updateSharing #AAPL update from TTR
AAPL H&S setup here. Today’s high is testing the weekly resistance. If it can’t close above and gap above it tomorrow, it’s a very negative price action to me.
The main H&S target is at 164.50-162
RSI is below 50, as well as MACD is below 0
AAPLThe sentiment around the company is negative. This includes reduction of recommendations for purchase in investment portfolios, decrease of revenue forecasts and threat of antimonopoly case. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility to breed and renew the high in anticipation of the report and the launch of sales of the new headset.
tp1 212
tp2 228
DISNEY BACK TO 95 AFTER EARNINGS Disney, a global entertainment conglomerate, has been facing challenges in recent years. The company’s traditional revenue streams, such as theme parks and movie theaters, have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic1. Furthermore, Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, while successful, is facing stiff competition from other platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max1.
Here’s a short idea based on this information:
Short Thesis: Disney’s stock could be overvalued given the challenges it faces. The impact of the pandemic on its traditional businesses and the intense competition in the streaming market could put pressure on its earnings. Therefore, there could be a potential short opportunity.
Key Risks: Disney’s diverse portfolio of assets and strong brand recognition could help it weather these challenges. The success of Disney+ and the potential recovery of its traditional businesses as the pandemic eases could lead to a turnaround in the company’s fortunes.
PAY PAL TO 67 AFTER EARNINGS Short Thesis: PayPal’s stock has been underperforming due to increased competition and growth concerns. Despite the company’s efforts to reinvent itself through AI-based products, it’s uncertain whether these initiatives will be enough to regain investor confidence and compete effectively in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Therefore, there could be a potential short opportunity.
Key Risks: The success of PayPal’s new AI-based products and services could lead to a turnaround in the company’s fortunes. Also, any positive changes in the fintech landscape or regulatory environment could benefit PayPal.
LI AUTO TP 35 BEFORE EARNINGS Li Auto, a China-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has been receiving positive attention from investors and analysts. Here are some reasons why:
Ambitious Goals: Li Auto’s management has set an ambitious vehicle-delivery goal1. They aim to sell at least 400,000 units of the Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9 in 20241, which would exceed their total of 376,030 vehicles sold in 20231.
Innovative Ideas: Li Auto is trying out an interesting idea similar to what Nio is doing1. This could be referring to Nio’s flagship showroom, known as Nio House, which is a unique vehicle showroom that resembles a home1.
Strong Partnerships: Li Auto has a partnership with Nvidia, where Nvidia’s Drive Thor autonomous driving chip will power Li Auto’s ET9 electric sedan1.
New Launches: Li Auto is gearing up to launch its flagship multi-purpose vehicle, the Li MEGA, on March 11.
Positive Analyst Recommendations: Li Auto Inc. Sponsored ADR currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.10, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations made by five brokerage firms
EURUSD BULL TIME !! The EUR/USD pair is currently trading near 1.08501. The pair has been experiencing some bearish momentum, with the near-term technical outlook pointing to a build-up of bearish momentum1. However, the USD has been struggling to find demand, which has helped the pair hold its ground1.
If you’re considering a bullish position on EUR/USD, it’s important to monitor key levels of support and resistance. The Fibonacci 50% retracement level of the October-December uptrend aligns as critical support1. If EUR/USD falls below that level and starts using it as resistance, 1.0740 (static level) could be seen as interim support before 1.0700 (psychological level, Fibonacci 61.8% retracement)1. On the upside, 1.0830 (former support, static level) aligns as immediate resistance before 1.0865 (Fibonacci 38.2% retracement) and 1.0900 (psychological level, static level)
28 DAYS TP 1.1150 After FOMC
Starbucks to 98 Plus After Earnings !!Financial Performance: In 2023, Starbucks’s revenue was $35.98 billion, an increase of 11.55% compared to the previous year’s $32.25 billion. Earnings were $4.12 billion, an increase of 25.69%2.
Analyst Forecast: According to 21 analysts, the average rating for SBUX stock is “Buy.” The 12-month stock price forecast is $114.35, which is an increase of 23.22% from the latest price2.
Dividend Yield: Starbucks has a dividend yield of 2.4569%1, which could be attractive to income-focused investors.
Growth Estimates: The growth estimate for the next 5 years (per annum) is 16.63%3
TP 98
TESLA BACK TO 208 AFTER FOMCGAP TO FILL
Technical Analysis: Bullish traders want to see Tesla receive a positive reaction to its earnings print and for the stock to surge up and regain support at the 200-day SMA1
Market Position: Tesla’s stock bulls have reclaimed key chart territory, fueling hopes that the 2023 uptrend has resumed
Innovation: Tesla is known for its ability to overcome odds and innovate, which has led to significant gains in the past
AAPL Apple Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought AAPL ahead of the previous earnings:
Then analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of AAPL Apple prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 205usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-12-20,
for a premium of approximately $13.45.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Apple Back to 182 Consolidation AreaApple Inc.
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A Bearish Perspective on Apple Stock
Apple Inc., the tech giant known for its innovative products and services, has been a darling of Wall Street for many years. However, some analysts are turning bearish on the company’s stock. Here’s a closer look at why.
Underperformance in 2023
Despite gaining an impressive 49% in 2023, Apple’s stock was the worst-performing FAANG constituent of the year1. The company reported negative revenue growth in all four quarters of 2023, the first time since 2001 that the company’s revenues fell YoY for four straight quarters1.
Downgrades in 2024
The start of 2024 hasn’t been positive for Apple either, with three brokerages downgrading the stock within the first two weeks of the year1. Redburn, Piper Sandler, and Barclays have all downgraded the stock1. While Redburn and Piper Sandler now rate the stock as a “Hold” or equivalent, Barclays downgraded the stock to a “Sell” equivalent with a Street-low target price of $1601.
Concerns Over iPhone Sales
Some brokerages are turning bearish on Apple amid fears of an extended slowdown in iPhone sales1. Analysts are especially worried about the outlook for iPhone sales in China, which is the company’s third-biggest market behind the U.S. and Europe, and accounted for around 19% of its fiscal year 2023 revenues1. Apple is facing tough competition from domestic Chinese smartphone companies like Huawei and Xiaomi1.
SPX S&P 500 TO 5000 Sure, here's a bullish perspective on the S&P 500 index:
1. **New Bull Market**: The S&P 500 index has officially entered a new bull market¹²⁵. This is a positive sign for investors as it indicates a period of rising prices and investor confidence¹.
2. **High Interest Rates**: Despite high interest rates, which were one reason for the stock market decline in 2022, the S&P 500 has shown resilience¹. This could be an opportunity for certain stocks that benefit from these conditions¹.
3. **Strong Performance**: The S&P 500 index has continued to climb to new highs in recent days². This upward trend is a positive sign for investors.
4. **Rare Bullish Signal**: Stocks have flashed a rare bullish signal that suggests the S&P 500 is about to soar another 20% next year³. This signal has only occurred seven times over the last 44 years, leading to an average gain of at least 20% in the S&P 500 over the next year³.
5. **Diversification**: The S&P 500 includes around 500 large cap equity stocks, providing a diversified investment that spreads risk across many sectors². Information technology represents the largest sector, with 28.9% of the index².
Buffett is just one step away from skyrocketing to the Moon 🚀Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway just snapped up more Occidental Petroleum shares, pushing the legendary investor's stake in the oil company to just over 25%.
Buffett's conglomerate purchased another 2.1 million shares of Occidental in the past week when the stock traded at $57.89, an amount worth $123 million in total, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
Berkshire now owns 224 million shares of the oil producer worth $13 billion. That represents just over quarter of Occidental's entire value, with a total market cap of $52.56 billion.
Buffett has been vocal about his bullishness on Occidental Petroleum, snapping up big chunks of the stock over the past year as oil and natural gas prices skyrocketed in the aftermath of Russia - Ukraine tensions.
And though Buffett has said he has no interest in taking over Occidental, Berkshire gained approval from regulators to potentially own up to 50% of the company last August.
Energy prices, meanwhile, have eased from their highs last summer, but analysts have said prices are in for another surge later in the year, especially if China's economic reopening leads to a big upswing in oil demand.
Moreover El Niño is here. Commodity prices could swing in turmoil.