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]