Apple pops pre-market after Merrill Lynch issues Buy

Photo of Steven M. Peters
By Steven M. Peters Updated Published

CNBC has the goods.

 

From “Bank of America upgrades Apple to buy, says ‘pullback presents opportunity’”:

Bank of America upgraded Apple shares to buy from neutral on Monday, saying the recent pullback in the stock “presents opportunity.”

“AAPL stock is down 26% from its peak (S&P down 9%) and up 9% YTD (inline with S&P 500 and below the S15INFT of 13%). Our scenario analysis suggests that shares are discounting a “declining hardware” scenario (ex-cash, services), and the debate hinges on the L/T trajectory. In our opinion, weakness in hardware is not entirely structural. Our new PO of $210 is based on assumptions closer to scenario 2 (flat hardware, and somewhat slower than historical growth in Services).”

Mohan, who made a prescient downgrade of the stock at the start of November, listed in the note eight other reasons why Apple is a buy here including “stability of supply chain order cuts” and “growth across healthcare, wearables and increasing services penetration.”

Upgrades to Buy from Neutral, raises price target to $210 from $180.

My take: This could signal the start of a new round of upgrades. Waiting to get my hands on the note.

[apple-subscribe]

Photo of Steven M. Peters
About the Author Steven M. Peters →

Continue Reading

Top Gaining Stocks

HPE Vol: 153,197,465
ENPH Vol: 8,360,053
GLW Vol: 18,152,646
APTV Vol: 6,761,325

Top Losing Stocks

TTD Vol: 21,905,513
INTU Vol: 7,383,018
CTRA Vol: 73,319,495
CBOE Vol: 5,000,011
HP
HPQ Vol: 29,259,826