:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2242674950-bc565856ba8a40529d22e2e4c4681264.jpg "Here’s How Much Traders Expect Apple Stock To Move After Earnings This Week")
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Key Takeaways
- Apple is scheduled to report earnings after the closing bell Thursday, with Wall Street analysts expecting growing revenues and profits.
- Options pricing suggests traders expect Apple’s stock could move about 4% in either direction after its results.
Apple is scheduled to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings after the closing bell Thursday, with traders betting on a move in the iPhone maker’s stock that could take it to new highs after the results.
Options pricing suggests traders expect Apple (AAPL) stock could move about 4% in either direction by the end of this week. A move of that size from Monday’s record close near $269 would push shares to a new all-time high near $280 at the high end, or pull them down to about $258 where they were last week.
However, Apple’s earnings haven’t tended to help the stock in recent quarters, with shares losing ground after all of its four most recent reports. In July, Apple posted earnings that topped analysts’ estimates as its services revenue climbed to a record high, though lingering worries about its AI progress weighed on the stock.
Why This Matters to Investors
Apple’s earnings have tended to be a “sell the news” event in recent quarters, though updates on its AI plans or a bigger-than-expected boost from the iPhone 17 could help drive more enthusiasm for the stock.
Apple shares have added about 7% in 2025 so far, after spending most of the year in negative territory amid concerns about delays in some highly anticipated AI features and its progress with the technology. The only Magnificent 7 member with a weaker performance this year so far has been Amazon (AMZN), which is also due to report results Thursday, with its shares up close to 4% for 2025 as of Monday’s close.
Investors will likely be watching closely Thursday for any updates on Apple’s AI roadmap during the company’s earnings call. A revenue boost after some signs of a strong start to sales of its iPhone 17 lineup could also help lift confidence in the stock.
Analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha are divided on Apple’s stock, with as many neutral as “buy” ratings at four each, and one “sell.” Their mean target near $245 would suggest a nearly 9% pullback from Monday’s record close.
