Zacks Investment Research Announces Apple Stock Upgraded to Outperform

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Feb 16, 2011, 10:06 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- We are upgrading Apple Inc. (AAPL –AAPL Stock Quote) to Outperform from Neutral, as we believe Apple has further room for expansion. The investment case for Apple (AAPL) is based on its earnings momentum and accelerated revenue growth.

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Apple (AAPL Stock Price) has grown leaps and bounds, driven by the success of its iPhones, iPad and increased Mac shipments. We expect the iPhone-driven momentum to continue. Stronger-than-expected iPhone and iPad sales will help Apple grab a larger share of the smartphone market.

In our opinion, this is the key to long-term growth and continued appreciation of the stock given the large addressable market. We expect the company to outperform its peers this year. Over the last four quarters, Apple (AAPL) surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.3%.

First Quarter Highlights

Apple's (AAPL) posted stellar first quarter 2011 results beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The outperformance was driven by strong iPhone, Mac and iPad sales. The outlook for Mac, iPad and iPhone 4 remains extremely strong, backed by demand in domestic and international markets that bode well for Apple's revenues and earnings.

The quarter's earnings for Apple (AAPL) reached a record $6.43 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.38, posting a positive surprise of 19.5% and surpassing its own guidance of $4.80. Earnings shot up 75.5% from $3.67 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. Net income soared to $6.00 billion in the quarter, reflecting a substantial growth of 77.7% from $3.38 billion in the year-ago quarter.

Strong earnings were attributable to record sales in the quarter, which leaped 70.5% year over year to $26.74 billion. Revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $24.30 billion and its own forecast of $23.00 billion. The mammoth revenue growth was driven by increased momentum in Mac shipments and a booming iPhone and iPad business. International sales accounted for 62.0% of total revenue in the quarter.

Earnings Estimate Revisions for Apple (AAPL) – Overview

The earnings outlook for Apple (AAPL) remains extremely strong ahead of its quarterly results. The estimate revision trends and the magnitude of such revisions justify the strength in the stock.

Agreement of Analysts

A majority of the analysts agree that Apple's (AAPL) fiscal 2011 earnings will exceed previous expectations.

Estimates are trending upward, as analysts' opinions have turned increasingly bullish over the last thirty days. Out of the 47 analysts providing estimates, 34 have raised their estimates for fiscal 2011 over the last 30 days. There was no downward estimate revision.

For the second quarter of 2011, 30 of the 43 analysts providing estimates upped their estimates in the last 30 days, with no negative revision.

Magnitude of Estimate Revisions for Apple (AAPL)

Overall, estimates for fiscal 2011 for Apple (AAPL) have gone up from $19.41 per share, 30 days ago, to $22.96 per share, reflecting an increase of 18.3%.

The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second quarter of 2011 for Apple (AAPL) is $5.24, an increase of 20.9% over the past 30 days, reflecting the company's strong earnings profile.

Recommendation

With a loyal customer base, international expansion, competitive pricing strategy and solid cash in hand, we remain positive on the long-term growth of Apple (AAPL). Moreover, we expect Apple (AAPL) to introduce new products this year to compete against new Android-based phones and tablet PCs.

We are also positive on the addition of Verizon Wireless (VZ – VZ Stock Quote) as a carrier that will help it double its customer base. We remain optimistic on Apple's (AAPL) ability to post stronger results in 2011, driven by increased demand for iPad and iPhones.

The estimate revision trends indicate a significant upward pressure on the stock over the near term. Nevertheless, we expect Apple to report stronger results going forward. Apple (AAPL) has a Zacks #1 Rank stock, implying a short-term Strong Buy rating.

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Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.