It's time now for our 360 round. For that, let's bring in our panel to discuss Apple. They beat on the top and the bottom line.Exceeded expectations in iPhone sales. Joining us to break down some of the numbers and take a closer look, Diane Hinchcliffe, the VP practice lead at Futurum, and Jed Ellerbrook, the portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management. Thank you both for being with us.Diane, let's start with you. You know, we saw Apple come across the the wires yesterday. good numbers coming across, unp ...

It's been a truly remarkable fall for the once esteemed Peloton Interactive (NASDAQ: PTON). The company's market cap was approaching the $50 billion mark about five years ago, in January 2021. Today, shares trade 97% below their peak, and the market cap is now $2.4 billion. While Peloton is making some progress, most notably around getting in better financial shape, it's still not worthy of investment consideration. Here's why I wouldn't touch this fitness stock with a 10-foot pole in 2026. Where to invest ...

Core Viewpoint - Apple is planning to significantly increase its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to catch up with competitors and enhance its product offerings [8][10]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Apple's stock has only increased by approximately 30% over the past three years, making it the second-worst performer among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks [2]. - In the fiscal third quarter, Apple reported a revenue growth of nearly 10% year over year, reaching $94 billion, marking a record for the June quarter [3][7]. - iPhone revenue grew by 13% year over year to $44.6 billion, driven by the popularity of the iPhone 16 family [3]. - Mac revenue increased by 15% year over year to $8 billion, while iPad and wearables, home, and accessories sales declined by 8% and 9% year over year, respectively [4]. - Overall, hardware revenue grew by 8% year over year, accounting for nearly 71% of total revenue, while services reached an all-time high of $27.4 billion [5]. Group 2: AI Strategy - Apple has been perceived as lagging in AI compared to rivals like Alphabet and Microsoft, but it is now taking AI more seriously [8]. - The company has a significant advantage with its extensive range of devices, which can be integrated with AI to enhance user experience [9]. - Management has indicated a significant increase in AI investments, with nearly $3.5 billion spent on capital expenditures in the latest quarter, the highest since January 2023 [10][12]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Apple's stock is currently trading at 29 times its projected earnings for the next year, the second-lowest among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks [14]. - The current valuation presents a more favorable upside potential, especially if the new AI initiatives are successful [16]. - With $133 billion in cash and marketable securities, Apple has ample resources to compete in the AI sector [16].

Core Viewpoint - Apple is set to report its earnings for the first quarter of 2025, which will provide insights into the effects of the U.S.-China trade war on its operations, although analysts believe many questions will remain unanswered [1][5]. Financial Performance - Apple is expected to generate $94.4 billion in revenue and $1.62 earnings per share, translating to a net income of $24.3 billion, indicating a year-over-year revenue growth of 4% and earnings growth of 3% [2]. - Sales in the Americas region are projected to grow by 6% to $39.7 billion, while services revenue, which includes the App Store, AppleCare, and AppleTV+, is anticipated to increase by 12% to a record $26.7 billion [3]. Market Dynamics - Analysts predict flat annual growth for iPhone sales at $46 billion, indicating potential challenges in the smartphone segment and Greater China revenue [3]. - There may have been a "pull forward in demand" as consumers anticipated tariffs, which could have positively impacted Apple's performance during the quarter [4]. Geopolitical Context - The earnings report will not reflect the significant policy changes in April, including the reduction of tariffs on Chinese smartphone imports from 145% to 20%, which has lessened the projected tariff impact on Apple [6]. - Apple's CEO Tim Cook has been in discussions with the White House regarding these tariff changes, which are crucial given that approximately 90% of iPhones are assembled in China and 17% of Apple's revenue comes from the Greater China segment [6]. Legal Challenges - Apple faced a legal setback when a federal judge ruled that the company violated a court order regarding fees on purchases made outside of iOS apps, leading to a 1.5% decline in its stock premarket [9].

Group 1: Shopify - Shopify's shares are down 8% this year despite strong fourth-quarter results and solid earnings growth [3][5] - The company has captured over 10% of the U.S. e-commerce market, creating switching costs that should help retain customers [6] - Shopify aims to benefit from the ongoing shift to online retail over the next decade, positioning itself as a long-term investment opportunity [7][8] Group 2: Apple - Apple's shares are down 16% year to date due to economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, particularly with China [9] - The company generates significant free cash flow, with a recent $500 billion investment in the U.S. aimed at reducing exposure to China [11] - Apple's services segment is expected to grow significantly faster than its hardware business, with over a billion paid subscriptions already in place [12][13] - The company has consistently raised its dividend payouts by 92.3% over the past decade, indicating potential for future dividend growth [15]