Apple is up 3% to $279.55 in pre-market trading. The Cupertino-based company is forecasting revenue growth of 14% to 17% for the third fiscal quarter, whereas Wall Street had expected only 9.5%. And to top it all off, a $100 billion share buyback. 🍎
🔍 What’s happening?
Apple reported strong quarterly results for its second fiscal quarter. Revenue reached $111.18 billion and earnings per share came in at $2.01, beating analysts’ estimates. The only downside: iPhone sales of $56.99 billion fell slightly short of forecasts due to supply constraints.
But it’s mainly the guidance for the current quarter that’s sending the stock soaring. Demand for the iPhone 17 and the MacBook Neo is driving forecasts well beyond expectations. The $100 billion share buyback program is further boosting investor confidence.
💡 Why does this matter?
For traders, this is a strong signal that Apple is regaining momentum after a difficult 2026. The stock is still down 0.2% since January, compared to a 7.1% gain for the Nasdaq Composite. This gap potentially creates a window of opportunity for those betting on a catch-up rally.
The longer-term challenge remains artificial intelligence. According to D.A. Davidson, the real question is whether Apple will succeed in turning AI into a compelling enough selling point to encourage customers to upgrade their devices. That is the key challenge for the upcoming product cycle.
📊 Our view
In our view, this rebound is deserved in the short term. The numbers speak for themselves.
Apple is delivering what Wall Street has been waiting for months: strong guidance and a massive buyback program. The projected growth of 14% to 17% in Q3 versus the expected 9.5% is a wide enough gap to justify a revision of expectations. The $100 billion buyback automatically supports the stock price and shows that cash is on hand. On the European front, caution remains warranted: the European Commission and the DMA (Digital Markets Act) continue to tighten the screws on major U.S. tech companies, which could weigh on margins in the medium term.
We expect Apple to catch up with the Nasdaq by summer if demand for the iPhone 17 holds up. For French traders: watch the $280 level as a new psychological resistance and the next quarterly report to confirm the AI momentum.
✅ Key Takeaway
- Apple climbs 3% to $279.55 in pre-market trading on May 1
- Q3 fiscal guidance at +14-17% vs. 9.5% expected by Wall Street
- $100 billion share buyback program announced
- Q2 results beat expectations: $111.18 billion in revenue and $2.01 in EPS
- iPhone sales slightly below expectations due to supply constraints
What do you think? Can Apple finally catch up to the Nasdaq thanks to the iPhone 17 and AI, or is this just a tactical rebound before more profit-taking?
🔎 See also
For more in-depth analysis, check out all our stock market insights on ActuTrading Stocks 📈
Source: Reuters, Apple, LSEG data
