$Apple(AAPL)$
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1. Have I “loaded” Apple shares?
I don't own apple stock.
But from a valuation/analytical sense, Apple is looking increasingly interesting to many analysts, especially given the iPhone 17 upgrade cycle and recent signs of stronger demand.
Many institutional investors likely are adding or at least considering more exposure, given the upside forecasts, though macro risks remain.
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2. Am I bullish that Apple can support market highs?
Yes, with caveats.
Reasons for bullishness:
Upgrade cycle strength. Wedbush believes that many iPhone users (≈315 million globally) haven’t upgraded in four years. That’s a large latent demand pool.
iPhone 17 adoption looks ahead of iPhone 16 by 10-15% so far, per Wedbush. That suggests momentum.
Production/supply trends: Checks in Asia suggest Apple may increase production for base and Pro models, which means the company expects demand.
The strong surge (stock is near its highest in 2025) shows investor conviction.
Risks / Headwinds:
China market risk remains significant. Regulatory, supply, competitive pressures (from domestic brands) could mute upside.
Macroeconomic / consumer demand risk. If economic conditions worsen (inflation, interest rates, or consumer spending drops), upgrade cycles can slow.
Margin pressures. Higher input costs, supply chain constraints, or less favorable product mix (e.g. if more lower-margin units sell) could eat into profits.
AI expectations. Part of the bullish case is that Apple will ramp its AI features or monetize AI more strongly. If expectations get ahead of actual execution, there’s risk of disappointment. Wedbush acknowledges this.
So, yes, I am cautiously bullish: Apple has multiple levers that could push it into market highs (or above them), but the degree of outperformance will depend on execution, external macro factors, and how well the market’s expectations around AI and demand are managed.
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3. Will Apple hit $300 this year?
This is trickier, but I believe there’s a reasonable probability that Apple shares could reach US$ 300 within the next 3-4 months — but it is far from guaranteed.
Why it’s plausible:
The price target raised by Wedbush to $310 suggests that analysts believe the stock has that kind of upside from its current ~US$ 255-260 range.
The gap between current price and target (~20-25%) is not outrageous, particularly for a company with strong operating history, cash flow, and recent positive tailwinds.
If iPhone 17 demand continues to beat expectations, and if Apple can clearly articulate or deliver incremental wins (for example in AI, services, or China rebound), that could provide catalyzing momentum.
What could prevent hitting $300:
A downturn in macro environment (interest rates, consumer credit, inflation).
Weakness or disruption in China or other major markets.
Overall tech sector pulling back — since Apple’s multiple is sensitive to tech/market sentiment.
Disappointment in earnings or guidance (if margins fall, supplies are constrained, or costs rise).
If investor expectations get stretched and follow-through (on features, product mix, AI) is weak.
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Conclusion
My view: Yes, it’s possible Apple could get to $300 before year-end. Probability is not 100%, perhaps in the order of ~40-60% depending on macro & execution.
If I were an investor, I would lean toward that scenario but ensure risk management (e.g. not overweight, monitor results, keep alert for negative signals especially around macro or China).
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