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Apple's Upcoming Foldable iPhone Model Will Drive Major Upside: Analyst
Benzinga· 2025-10-27 16:15
Core Viewpoint - Growing enthusiasm around Apple Inc's iPhone 17 demand and anticipation for the foldable iPhone 18 has led analysts to be optimistic about the company's multi-year growth outlook [1][2]. iPhone Demand and Investor Sentiment - Improved data on iPhone demand and stabilization across Apple's broader business have helped rebuild investor confidence [2]. - Optimism now centers on the sales trajectory of the iPhone 17 and expectations for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to include the first foldable model [2]. Revenue Growth Expectations - Analyst Samik Chatterjee expects Apple to post high single-digit revenue growth in both fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 and fiscal first-quarter 2026, forecasting fourth-quarter revenue of $103 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.81, above the consensus of $102 billion and $1.77 [3][4]. Product Cycle and Margin Expansion - The current iPhone 17 lineup and the upcoming iPhone 18 are expected to accelerate revenue growth through fiscal 2026 and 2027, supported by easing tariff pressures and operational efficiencies that should drive margin expansion and earnings upgrades [4]. - Apple's visibility into a multi-year product cycle, along with strong execution in both Hardware and Services, supports further upside in the stock [4]. Stock Performance - Apple shares were trading higher by 1.15% to $265.90 [5]. Services Segment Performance - The Services segment continues to perform strongly, growing approximately 13% in the fiscal third-quarter and expected to maintain that pace into the fourth-quarter [6]. - A recent court ruling in the Google–DOJ case suggests minimal impact on Google's traffic acquisition costs paid to Apple, supporting Services revenue stability [6]. Manufacturing and Supply Chain - An accelerated shift in manufacturing outside China, particularly to India and Vietnam, along with increased U.S. investments, has reduced the company's exposure to tariffs and supply chain risks [6].