Can Apple Stock Reach $350 in 2026?

Core Viewpoint - Apple shares are expected to rise 35% before the end of the year, with a target price of $350 by 2026, driven by strong historical performance and growth potential in product segments [1][3][11] Financial Performance - Apple has shown significant returns, with a share price increase of 942% over the past decade, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 26.4%, outperforming the S&P 500 [4] - The company reported a net income of $112 billion for fiscal 2025, with a gross margin averaging 30.6% over the past five years, indicating strong profitability [6] Market Position - Apple holds a market capitalization of $3.8 trillion and is currently trading 9% below its peak, suggesting potential for upside if market sentiment improves [4][9] - The stock's current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 34.7, significantly higher than the 10-year average of 24.6, indicating a potentially expensive valuation [7] Growth Catalysts - Strong iPhone sales growth, with a 6% year-over-year increase in Q4 2025, and expectations for double-digit growth in Q1 2026, are key drivers for future stock performance [9] - A new partnership with Alphabet to utilize Gemini AI models may enhance Apple's product offerings and spur consumer demand, potentially boosting stock prices [10] Analyst Sentiment - The consensus one-year price target for Apple is $288, suggesting an 11% upside from the current price, although analysts may not fully account for the elevated valuation [8]