Apple stock has had a rough start to 2025. Shares of the consumer electronics giant have fallen amid weak iPhone sales. Still, some investors might be wondering: Is Apple stock a buy right now?
Wall Street analysts this month cut their forecasts for iPhone sales following reports that Apple has delayed the rollout of artificial intelligence features for its smartphones. Those new AI features, branded Apple Intelligence, were to include an upgraded Siri digital assistant.
Apple reportedly has shaken up its executive team in response to the company's struggles to release AI features. One executive called the delays and miscues "ugly" and "embarrassing" because the company had been promoting AI capabilities in TV commercials, Bloomberg reported.
A lack of compelling new features has hurt iPhone sales, analysts said. Many had expected to see an AI-driven upgrade cycle this year.
In addition to soft iPhone sales, Apple faces risks around tariffs and potential changes to its lucrative internet search deal with Google due to the pending Department of Justice antitrust case.
Recent Apple Stock News
On March 5, Apple announced new notebook and desktop computers. They included a MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip, up to 18 hours of battery life and a new 12-megapixel Center Stage camera. Apple also launched new Mac Studio desktop computers with its M3 Ultra and M4 Max processors.
On March 4, Apple introduced an new iPad Air tablet with the M3 processor. The tablet comes in 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes.
On Feb. 28, Apple announced the iPhone 16e, its new budget smartphone. It replaces the third-generation iPhone SE and features a revamped design and improved technical specs.
On Feb. 11, Apple stock rose on news that Apple had chosen to partner with e-commerce firm Alibaba to bring AI services to its devices in China. Apple Intelligence in China will rely on Alibaba's Qwen model.
Latest Apple Earnings Report
Late on Jan. 30, Apple beat Wall Street's earnings target for its fiscal first quarter while matching views on sales. Apple stock fell 0.7% to 236 in the next regular trading session.
Apple earned $2.40 a share, up 10% year over year, on sales of $124.3 billion, up 4%, in the quarter ended Dec. 28. Earnings per share topped the consensus estimate of $2.35 while sales were in line with views.
However, Apple's iPhone sales declined 0.8% to $69.14 billion in the December quarter.
For the current quarter, Apple forecast its total revenue to grow in the low to mid single digits.
Analysts polled by FactSet now expect Apple to earn $1.61 a share on sales of $94.2 billion. That would translate to year-over-year growth of 5% in earnings and 4% in revenue.
Is Apple Stock A Buy Right Now?
No, Apple stock is not a buy right now. Apple shares are trading below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, a bearish sign, according to IBD MarketSurge charts.
Apple stock needs to form a new base in the right market conditions before setting a potential buy point. Check out IBD's Big Picture column for the current market direction.
Apple stock ended regular-session trading Friday at 218.27. Year to date through Friday's close, Apple stock is down 12.8%.
AAPL stock has an IBD Composite Rating of 85 out of 99, according to IBD Stock Checkup. IBD's Composite Rating combines five separate proprietary ratings of fundamental and technical performance into one easy-to-use rating. The best growth stocks have a Composite Rating of 90 or better.
Apple stock has an IBD Relative Strength Rating of 57 out of 99. The Relative Strength Rating shows how a stock's price performance stacks up against all other stocks over the last 52 weeks.
Keep an eye on the overall stock market. If the market turns south, don't try to fight the general stock market direction.
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