Company Update (NASDAQ:AAPL): HOLD -Apple encryption stand highlights mobile operators’ dilemma

[Reuters] – Apple Inc’s stance on privacy in the face of a U.S. government demand to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino attackers has raised awkward questions for the world ’s mobile network operators. Top executives at this week’s global telecom industry gathering in Barcelona admit they are constantly trying to strike a balance between the expectations and demands of their own users, government regulators and national politicians. Apple’s stand — it argues that to unlock the iPhone would violate its free speech rights — has brought questions over these competing forces to the fore, exposing gaps in some telecoms operators’ own approaches. Read more on this. Apple Inc. (AAPL) , valued at $541.65B, began trading this morning at $97.20. Today’s price range has been between $97.08 and $97.73 per share with a one year range of $92.00 to $134.54. AAPL shares are currently priced at 10.58x this year’s forecasted earnings, which makes them relatively expensive compared to the industry’s 6.76x earnings multiple. The company pays shareholders $2.08 per share annually in dividends, yielding 2.15%. In a review of the consensus earnings estimate this quarter, 37 sell-side analysts are looking at $2.00 per share, which would be $0.33 worse than the year-ago quarter and a $0.46 sequential decrease. Investors should also note that the full-year EPS estimate of $9.08 is a $0.14 setback when compared to the previous year’s annual results. The quarterly earnings estimate is predicated on a consensus revenue forecast of $52.04 Billion. If reported, that would be a 10.29% decrease over the year-ago quarter. Recently, BofA/Merrill upgraded AAPL from Neutral to Buy (Jan 12, 2016). Previously, Mizuho upgraded AAPL from Neutral to Buy. Given all the information above, we should disclose to readers that the average price target is $135.92, which is 39.84% above than it opened this morning. See more in (NASDAQ:AAPL) Similar Articles: Stock Update (NASDAQ:AAPL): Apple urges US to form encryption panel Market Update (NASDAQ:AAPL): Apple says debate over encryption should be decided by Congress Stock Update: Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Now Samsung is following Apple by allowing mobile ad blockers for the first time