Core Viewpoint - Apple is expected to report upbeat fourth quarter earnings with an adjusted EPS of $1.73 and revenue exceeding $11 billion, indicating a growth rate of approximately 7-8% [1][3][4] Earnings Expectations - Analysts anticipate strong topline growth, marking the best growth pace for Apple in about four years, with expectations of sustained growth into 2027 [3][4] - The services segment is projected to grow at a rate of 12-13%, benefiting from recent developments in the Google search monopoly case [5] Product Performance - The iPhone 17 is a key focus, with expectations of high single-digit growth in China for the September quarter, driven by the new device [6][10] - The overall performance of the iPhone 17 is crucial for this quarter's results [6] Market Positioning - Apple's business model is characterized by lower capital intensity (3-4%) compared to competitors like Meta, which is expected to have a capital intensity rate above 35% [11][12] - This positioning may insulate Apple from broader market concerns regarding capital expenditure [13] Investor Sentiment - There is a moderately bullish sentiment in the options market, with expectations of a 3.3% move in shares post-earnings [15] - A specific trading strategy involving a broken wing call butterfly is suggested to capitalize on this sentiment while managing risk [16][19] Future Outlook - Analysts remain optimistic about Apple's performance through 2026, suggesting that any pullback in stock price could present a buying opportunity [13][23]
Zino: iPhone 17 & Services Key in AAPL Earnings, "Very Positive" Into 2026