Apple Might Hike Its Dividend, But Investors May Want to Short Its Puts

Apple Inc (AAPL) has paid four quarters of dividends at the present 23 cents quarterly rate and is likely to hike it at the end of April. This could act as a catalyst, along with higher cash flow, for AAPL stock. However, investors who short its put options could end up making even more income.

Apple last reported its Q1 earnings on Feb. 2, 2023, for the quarter that ended Dec. 31, showing its operating cash flow was $34 billion. This was based on $117.2 billion in revenue, which means the company's operating cash flow margin is still high at 29%.