The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Apple, Advanced Micro Devices, Applied Materials, Canterbury Park and Where Food Comes From
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 26 2025
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Stock Analysis Overview: Zacks.com highlights recent stock performances and research reports on major companies including Apple, AMD, Applied Materials, Canterbury Park, and Where Food Comes From, emphasizing their market challenges and growth opportunities.
Market Insights: The article discusses the current economic landscape affecting stocks, with a focus on Apple's declining iPhone sales, AMD's robust data center revenues, and Applied Materials' semiconductor industry strength, while also noting regulatory challenges and competition.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 263.880
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 263.880
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Apple Reports Strong Q1 Growth Amid Challenges
- Significant Revenue Growth: Apple reported a 15.7% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2026 (ending December 27), primarily driven by robust demand for the iPhone 17 lineup, showcasing its sustained leadership in the smartphone market.
- iPhone Sales Surge: iPhone sales rose 23.4% year-over-year, further solidifying Apple's market dominance in hardware, indicating strong consumer preference and brand loyalty.
- Exceptional Profit Margins: The company's net income margin reached 29.3% in the last fiscal quarter, reflecting its outstanding profitability and pricing power, despite facing regulatory scrutiny and delays in Siri updates.
- Cautious Market Outlook: While Apple's P/E ratio stands at 33.1, indicating a premium valuation, investor concerns about its cautious approach in the AI race may lead to underperformance compared to the broader market over the next five years.
See More
Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Beta and Announces Product Showcase
- New System Release: Apple launched the iOS 26.4 beta on Monday, introducing features like video podcasts and an Apple Music playlist tool, but lacking enhancements for Siri, indicating slow progress in AI that could impact user experience and market competitiveness.
- Product Showcase Announcement: Apple is set to host a 'special Apple Experience' on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai; while details remain undisclosed, the 3D Apple logo's colors have sparked speculation about a new low-cost MacBook, potentially drawing media and consumer interest.
- Increased Stock Pressure: Apple's stock fell 8% last week, marking its largest weekly decline since April last year, despite reporting record iPhone revenue in the latest quarter, indicating strong demand but overshadowed by a broader tech sell-off affecting its stock performance.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Retail sentiment for AAPL has remained in the 'bearish' zone over the past week, reflecting investor concerns about future performance, particularly ahead of new product launches, which may affect short-term market confidence.
See More
Valuation Challenges Intensify for Tech Stocks
- Tech Stock Sell-off: A wave of selling in technology shares is occurring as investors express uncertainty about their future value, particularly as price-to-earnings ratios shrink dramatically, which negatively impacts overall investment sentiment.
- Danaher-Masimo Acquisition Risks: Danaher is acquiring Masimo at nearly 25 times next year's earnings, despite the latter's inability to justify its multiple over the years, raising concerns that could adversely affect Danaher's stock performance.
- CrowdStrike-Microsoft Partnership: CrowdStrike's Falcon platform is now available on the Microsoft Marketplace, which could significantly boost revenue; however, its current P/E ratio of 85 has led to a tepid market reaction, reflecting investor anxiety over high valuations.
- ServiceNow Management Confidence Issues: Despite ServiceNow's announcement of a $5 billion stock buyback and intentions from executives to buy shares, the stock price still fell, indicating market skepticism about its growth prospects amid intensifying AI competition.
See More
U.S. Develops Online Portal to Bypass Censorship
- Portal Development: The U.S. State Department is developing an online portal named “freedom.gov” aimed at providing access to content banned by European and other governments, intending to bypass censorship and enhance the flow of information.
- Content Scope: The portal will include purported hate speech and terrorist propaganda, reflecting the U.S. stance on global information freedom while potentially sparking international controversy and debate.
- Technical Measures Exploration: Officials are considering adding a VPN feature to the site to make users' traffic appear as if it originated from the U.S., thereby protecting user privacy and avoiding monitoring, indicating a focus on user security.
- Announcement Delay: The project was scheduled for announcement at last week's Munich Security Conference but was postponed for undisclosed reasons, with some State Department officials expressing concerns about the plan, which may impact its progress and implementation.
See More
Zuckerberg Discusses Social Media Safety with Cook Amid Trial
- Executive Conversations: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg disclosed during a high-profile trial in Los Angeles that he discussed the safety of young social media users with Apple CEO Tim Cook, highlighting the industry's growing focus on youth protection.
- Legal Strategy: Zuckerberg's disclosure is likely part of a broader legal strategy aimed at showcasing his proactive efforts to protect young Instagram users, including consultations with a rival company, reflecting Meta's commitment to social media safety.
- Trial Focus: During the trial, Zuckerberg faced scrutiny over beauty filters, which studies suggest harm teenage girls; he stated that Meta prioritized free expression, ultimately lifting a temporary ban on cosmetic surgery filters.
- Global Regulation: Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from major social platforms, immediately blocking millions of young users, indicating a growing global concern over teen social media usage.
See More
AR Glasses Market Set for Explosive Growth
- Surge in Shipments: AR glasses shipments are projected to grow over 50% this year, indicating a strong market recovery as smart glasses shed their previous 'science project' image and gain consumer interest.
- Technological Advancements: With Apple reportedly planning AI-focused wearables, including smart glasses, consumer expectations for next-gen features and lighter designs are rising, potentially making these devices must-haves by 2026.
- Market Excitement: At CES, nearly every booth showcased AR glasses, signaling that the technology is on the cusp of widespread adoption, and they are expected to be the top holiday product this year, further driving market growth.
- Changing Competitive Landscape: As major players like Apple and Meta intensify their focus on AR glasses, competition will increase, accelerating technological advancements and driving consumer demand for new features.
See More
Apple Reports Strong Q1 Growth Amid Challenges
- Significant Revenue Growth: Apple reported a 15.7% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2026 (ending December 27), primarily driven by robust demand for the iPhone 17 lineup, showcasing its sustained leadership in the smartphone market.
- iPhone Sales Surge: iPhone sales rose 23.4% year-over-year, further solidifying Apple's market dominance in hardware, indicating strong consumer preference and brand loyalty.
- Exceptional Profit Margins: The company's net income margin reached 29.3% in the last fiscal quarter, reflecting its outstanding profitability and pricing power, despite facing regulatory scrutiny and delays in Siri updates.
- Cautious Market Outlook: While Apple's P/E ratio stands at 33.1, indicating a premium valuation, investor concerns about its cautious approach in the AI race may lead to underperformance compared to the broader market over the next five years.
See More
Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Beta and Announces Product Showcase
- New System Release: Apple launched the iOS 26.4 beta on Monday, introducing features like video podcasts and an Apple Music playlist tool, but lacking enhancements for Siri, indicating slow progress in AI that could impact user experience and market competitiveness.
- Product Showcase Announcement: Apple is set to host a 'special Apple Experience' on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai; while details remain undisclosed, the 3D Apple logo's colors have sparked speculation about a new low-cost MacBook, potentially drawing media and consumer interest.
- Increased Stock Pressure: Apple's stock fell 8% last week, marking its largest weekly decline since April last year, despite reporting record iPhone revenue in the latest quarter, indicating strong demand but overshadowed by a broader tech sell-off affecting its stock performance.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Retail sentiment for AAPL has remained in the 'bearish' zone over the past week, reflecting investor concerns about future performance, particularly ahead of new product launches, which may affect short-term market confidence.
See More
Valuation Challenges Intensify for Tech Stocks
- Tech Stock Sell-off: A wave of selling in technology shares is occurring as investors express uncertainty about their future value, particularly as price-to-earnings ratios shrink dramatically, which negatively impacts overall investment sentiment.
- Danaher-Masimo Acquisition Risks: Danaher is acquiring Masimo at nearly 25 times next year's earnings, despite the latter's inability to justify its multiple over the years, raising concerns that could adversely affect Danaher's stock performance.
- CrowdStrike-Microsoft Partnership: CrowdStrike's Falcon platform is now available on the Microsoft Marketplace, which could significantly boost revenue; however, its current P/E ratio of 85 has led to a tepid market reaction, reflecting investor anxiety over high valuations.
- ServiceNow Management Confidence Issues: Despite ServiceNow's announcement of a $5 billion stock buyback and intentions from executives to buy shares, the stock price still fell, indicating market skepticism about its growth prospects amid intensifying AI competition.
See More
U.S. Develops Online Portal to Bypass Censorship
- Portal Development: The U.S. State Department is developing an online portal named “freedom.gov” aimed at providing access to content banned by European and other governments, intending to bypass censorship and enhance the flow of information.
- Content Scope: The portal will include purported hate speech and terrorist propaganda, reflecting the U.S. stance on global information freedom while potentially sparking international controversy and debate.
- Technical Measures Exploration: Officials are considering adding a VPN feature to the site to make users' traffic appear as if it originated from the U.S., thereby protecting user privacy and avoiding monitoring, indicating a focus on user security.
- Announcement Delay: The project was scheduled for announcement at last week's Munich Security Conference but was postponed for undisclosed reasons, with some State Department officials expressing concerns about the plan, which may impact its progress and implementation.
See More
Zuckerberg Discusses Social Media Safety with Cook Amid Trial
- Executive Conversations: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg disclosed during a high-profile trial in Los Angeles that he discussed the safety of young social media users with Apple CEO Tim Cook, highlighting the industry's growing focus on youth protection.
- Legal Strategy: Zuckerberg's disclosure is likely part of a broader legal strategy aimed at showcasing his proactive efforts to protect young Instagram users, including consultations with a rival company, reflecting Meta's commitment to social media safety.
- Trial Focus: During the trial, Zuckerberg faced scrutiny over beauty filters, which studies suggest harm teenage girls; he stated that Meta prioritized free expression, ultimately lifting a temporary ban on cosmetic surgery filters.
- Global Regulation: Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from major social platforms, immediately blocking millions of young users, indicating a growing global concern over teen social media usage.
See More
AR Glasses Market Set for Explosive Growth
- Surge in Shipments: AR glasses shipments are projected to grow over 50% this year, indicating a strong market recovery as smart glasses shed their previous 'science project' image and gain consumer interest.
- Technological Advancements: With Apple reportedly planning AI-focused wearables, including smart glasses, consumer expectations for next-gen features and lighter designs are rising, potentially making these devices must-haves by 2026.
- Market Excitement: At CES, nearly every booth showcased AR glasses, signaling that the technology is on the cusp of widespread adoption, and they are expected to be the top holiday product this year, further driving market growth.
- Changing Competitive Landscape: As major players like Apple and Meta intensify their focus on AR glasses, competition will increase, accelerating technological advancements and driving consumer demand for new features.
See More
