Should You Buy Apple Stock Before Oct. 30?

Core Insights - Apple has not been a leader in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, which is surprising given its dominant position in the tech industry. This is reflected in its share price, which has only increased by 3% in 2025, leading to investor anticipation for positive news from management [1][8]. Financial Performance - Apple is set to report its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter results on October 30, which ended on September 27. Investors are considering whether to buy the stock before this announcement [2]. - The company's shares are currently trading at a high price-to-earnings ratio of 38.9, indicating a rich valuation. This suggests that the stock may not be a smart buy at present, especially given the deceleration in Apple's growth over the past three years [3][8]. Market Expectations - If Apple reports results and guidance that exceed Wall Street analysts' estimates, there is a strong possibility that the shares will rise. However, predicting both the company's performance and the market's reaction remains highly uncertain [4]. - Investors are advised not to rush into purchasing Apple shares before the earnings report, and any investment decision should consider a minimum five-year holding period [5]. Competitive Landscape - Apple's revenue growth has slowed in recent quarters, making it increasingly challenging for the company to achieve significant growth. Additionally, it has fallen behind its peers in AI innovation [8]. - Notably, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor team has identified ten stocks that they believe are better investment opportunities than Apple at this time [6][8].