Apple Inc (AAPL)

Looks really constructive. Broke out of the bigger downtrend. Long-term leader. Broken out to new highs. Hardware has been outperforming software, and this is one of the showcase examples. Likes everything about it technically. 

Hasn't seen enough of the CEO-in-waiting to decide where his focus will be. Bottom line is that it's an ecosystem and you get locked into. Where do we go from here? Doesn't have AI, but it's not really an AI company.

Wouldn't buy here, but the company isn't going anywhere.

Capex for the quarter was nothing compared to the other guys. The GOAT of companies. Demand for products continues strong. Stock's up today on guidance of double-digit topline growth.

Credit them for not getting into the AI arm race and spending a gazillion dollars unlike at least four peers. Meanwhile, they announced enough cash flow to announce another $100 billion share buyback and increasing their dividend. Also, services revenue came in at a record high and 16% growth, their profit generator going forward. iPhone sales have been surprisingly steady recently. The valuation is high, but can grow into that valuation, say they go into a new hardware phase under the new CEO. 

Had a very good quarter. Chinese sales are rebounding, up 28%, services hit a new record, gross margins at 49.3% and a $100 billion share buyback. iPhone sales are a little light, but Apple is exciting. He holds a full position. True, it's valuation is too high, but deserves that premium. Give credit that they reduced capex during this period of huge AI spending.

New CEO will have to prove himself. Company's had ups and downs but, ultimately, knows how to succeed. Its AI strategy is based on what it's done all along -- let other people spend the $$ initially, and then step in and take the helm.

It has enormous free cash flow and has 20% of the world's smart phone market. It is not a hyper-scaler name so does not have hundreds of millions in capital expenditures like the other hyper-scalers. The service part of its business is adding growth with an overall earnings growth rate of 12 to 15% along with solid margins. AI is embedded in partnerships with different companies. It is at its 200 day moving average so maybe it is time to add.

There are better places to be.

Likes the Mag 7 generally. This one's a hold. Has yet to enter the AI space. With its customer base, can command a pretty good price once it does. Recent Chinese sales strong, and tariffs won't have an impact because phones are built there.

He's looking for GARP. Even with the pullback, this name's trading at a high 20s PE for single-digit growth. Hasn't brought AI into the structure very well. 

Concerned about its hardware business versus its recurring-revenue services business. Trouble with its 30x PE multiple for mid-high, single-digit revenue growth. Partnering with GOOG to roll out intelligence services on new products. Doesn't meet his price target upside.

If you don't own, don't buy. Street has another 10% upside from current price, so hold if you already have it.

He bought it Feb. 11, then sold it Feb. 12. He got stopped out. He won't buy it back. He's traded it twice already.

Adding for new clients. Long-term weekly charts slope upwards, with price well above. Long-term, the name continues to look good. Expect volatility from time to time. AI strategy is evolving. Services growth and recurring revenue continue strong, as are cashflow and balance sheet.

Bought it back personally on momentum. This may not match last August's momentum, but expects it break above $288.

The Mag 7 will continue to weaken. Has owned Apple a long time. Let the stock breathe a little. Would not buy today.