F1 Is Apple's Biggest Box-Office Win—So Why Is The Stock Stalling?

Core Viewpoint - The year 2025 will be significant for Apple Inc. due to the success of its film "F1," which has become the highest-grossing theatrical film for the company, yet this success has not significantly impacted Apple’s stock price [1][2][3]. Group 1: Film Performance - "F1" has grossed $109.5 million domestically and $293.6 million worldwide within 10 days of release, ranking second at the domestic box office during the Fourth of July weekend [1]. - The film has surpassed the previous record held by "Napoleon," which grossed $221 million, and is on track to exceed totals from other Apple films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" ($158 million) and "Argylle" ($96 million) [2]. - Despite its box office success, "F1" has a production budget of $250 million and a marketing budget of $100 million, indicating it is far from breaking even [4]. Group 2: Impact on Apple’s Business - The success of "F1" has not led to a significant increase in Apple’s stock price, which is down 0.5% to $212.47, and has decreased 12.8% year-to-date in 2025 [10]. - Apple’s entertainment division, including AppleTV+, is crucial for the company, and while films have not yet been profitable, they help offset production costs and can lead to award nominations [5]. - The film's potential award nominations could enhance Apple's reputation in the film industry, with a 22% chance for Best Picture and a 12% chance for Best Actor for Brad Pitt [6]. Group 3: Streaming Strategy - The addition of "F1" to Apple TV+ could boost the platform's visibility, especially if timed with the launch of a rumored ad-supported streaming plan [7][8]. - Apple currently has approximately 45 million paid streaming subscribers, generating around $450 million per month, but the streaming platform is estimated to lose $1 billion annually [9]. - The debut of "F1" on Apple TV+ may be pivotal in moving the platform closer to profitability [10].