Apple's in good shape this quarter but concerns come with AI era, says Intelligent Alpha's Clinton

Core Insights - The upcoming tech earnings season is characterized by muted expectations, particularly for Apple, which has managed to keep the bar low for its earnings outlook [1][2] - Apple's iPhone 17 has exceeded initial sales expectations, but the focus remains on its future developments in AI, especially regarding improvements to Siri [2] - Capital expenditure (Capex) expectations for Google and Amazon are perceived as too low, with Google expected to see about 12% growth and Amazon in high single digits, which contrasts with stronger growth anticipated for Meta [3][4] Company-Specific Insights - First Solar is highlighted as an under-the-radar investment opportunity, with its solar panels being crucial for addressing energy needs for data centers [6][7] - The company is positioned well within the current administration's focus on American manufacturing, and its earnings per share (EPS) are considered attractive [7] - There is skepticism about the sustainability of the AI trade, with comparisons made to historical market bubbles, suggesting that energy-related stocks may be overvalued [9][10][11] Industry Trends - The AI sector is seen as having significant potential, with the current phase likened to the tech boom of 1997, while certain energy components feel reminiscent of the 1999 bubble [10] - The energy sector, particularly solar, is viewed as essential for supporting the infrastructure needed for AI and data centers, despite currently being overshadowed by nuclear energy discussions [6][10] - Hardware and software companies are favored over energy stocks in the current investment landscape, indicating a shift in focus within the tech and energy sectors [11]