In the fast-paced world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force, revolutionizing various industries and contributing to the impressive rise in tech stocks. Apple Inc., a company that has faced challenges recently, is now strategically positioned to take advantage of the opportunity presented by AI integration into its products, potentially signaling a significant turnaround in its fortunes.
The adoption of AI technology is steadily growing among Apple’s users. According to a recent survey by Setapp, an app subscription service, 42% of Mac users already use AI apps on their MacBooks daily. This statistic shows the increasing acceptance and use of AI technology by Apple consumers. Furthermore, Counterpoint Research predicts that AI-capable smartphones will reach critical mass next year, resulting in a 5% decline in smartphone sales this year. However, they also expect the sale of 100 million AI smartphones by 2024, indicating a promising future for this emerging market.
The positive sentiment surrounding the AI industry has led to a remarkable resurgence in tech stocks, including Apple, throughout 2023. Factors such as cooling inflation and the growing popularity of AI have propelled the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 Technology Sector index by an impressive 66% towards the end of the year, showcasing the industry’s significant growth potential.
Despite facing challenges in the previous fiscal year, Apple has shown resilience. Fiscal year 2023 revenue experienced a decline of almost 3% year over year, amounting to $383 billion. This decline was primarily due to slow sales of personal computers (PCs) and weak demand for smartphones. However, analysts remain optimistic, with consensus estimates projecting a 3.5% revenue increase to $397 billion for the current fiscal year.
To facilitate its turnaround, Apple is actively integrating AI capabilities into its smartphones and tablets. The goal is to enhance the user experience and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Counterpoint predicts that sales of AI-enabled PCs will grow at a compound annual rate of 50% through 2030, encouraging existing users to upgrade their devices and further boosting Apple’s prospects.
For investors willing to take risks, buying Apple’s stock before a potential AI-driven rally could be advantageous in the coming year. Despite the challenges faced in the previous fiscal year, Apple’s stock has performed well. Currently trading at 8 times sales and 31 times trailing earnings, there is room for growth if the company successfully capitalizes on the AI revolution.
The positive outlook for tech stocks is particularly evident in the performance of the “Magnificent Seven” – Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. These large tech companies have been the driving forces behind the surge in tech stocks, benefiting from the growing popularity and application of AI.
In conclusion, the rise of AI not only contributes to the surge in tech stocks but also indicates the potential for a significant turnaround for Apple. Companies that effectively integrate AI capabilities into their products are well-positioned to benefit from the growing market demand. With its focus on AI integration, Apple is in a favorable position to capitalize on this trend and potentially reshape its fortunes.
