Apple is a leading technology company primarily engaged in the design and manufacturing of consumer electronics within the electronic computers industry.
It is globally recognized for its premium brand, innovative hardware and software ecosystem, and loyal customer base.
Updated: February 19, 2026, 16:00 EST
AAPL shows signs of recent recovery with a 5.6% monthly gain, though it still trails the broader market over the past three months. Trading near the midpoint of its 52-week range suggests balanced momentum without extreme overbought or oversold conditions. While volatility remains a factor, the current price level appears to reflect a reasonable technical foundation for potential gradual appreciation.
AAPL’s forward P/E of 23.9 and a PEG ratio of 0.44 indicate strong value when growth expectations are factored in, signaling potential undervaluation. High P/B and EV/EBITDA ratios are less relevant given Apple’s transition toward high-margin services and software. Although peer data is unavailable, the low PEG is a compelling indicator of relative attractiveness.
The stock exhibits slightly higher volatility than the market, as shown by its beta of 1.1 and a notable 30% maximum drawdown over the past year. Key risks include cyclical consumer demand, regulatory scrutiny, and supply chain disruptions—typical challenges for a global technology leader. Low short interest, however, reflects general market confidence in Apple’s stability.
Based on the analysis, AAPL presents a compelling buy opportunity. Its reasonable valuation—especially the low PEG ratio—coupled with a resilient business model and strong brand, supports long-term growth potential. While short-term volatility is expected, the stock appears well-positioned for investors seeking quality exposure to the technology sector. Investors should remain mindful of macro and regulatory risks, but the current setup favors accumulation.
Based on the comprehensive analysis, the 12-month outlook for AAPL is positive, supported by its attractive valuation and resilient business model. Key catalysts for outperformance include the continued high-margin growth of its Services segment and the eventual launch of new AI-integrated products, which could reignite investor excitement. Potential risks that could temper gains include a slowdown in premium consumer device spending due to macroeconomic pressures and heightened regulatory scrutiny in both the US and EU. While a specific analyst target isn't provided, the low PEG ratio of 0.44 suggests significant undervaluation relative to growth, implying a target price range comfortably above the current $260 level, with potential for appreciation contingent on successful execution of its growth initiatives.
Most Wall Street analysts are optimistic about Apple Inc.'s 12-month outlook, with consensus target around $260.58, indicating expected upside potential.
Overall, AAPL has investment potential but also faces challenges. Here are key factors to weigh before investing.
AAPL's recent performance shows mixed signals with moderate gains offsetting earlier declines, resulting in an uneven trajectory.
The stock has gained 5.63% over the past month but remains down 4.53% over three months, significantly underperforming the market by 6.38% during this period. This suggests recent strength hasn't fully erased previous weakness relative to broader market performance.
Currently trading at $260.58, AAPL sits approximately 54% above its 52-week low and 10% below its high, indicating a relatively strong position within its yearly range. The current level appears reasonably valued rather than overbought or oversold, though the 30% maximum drawdown highlights the volatility experienced during the past year.
| Period | AAPL Return | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1m | +5.6% | +1.0% |
| 3m | -4.5% | +1.9% |
| 6m | +13.5% | +6.5% |
| 1y | +6.0% | +12.1% |
| ytd | -3.9% | +0.2% |
AAPL is currently trading at $.**
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Try Now & Get Tesla Stock RewardValuation Level: AAPL's forward PE of 23.9 suggests a more reasonable valuation than its elevated TTM PE of 33, indicating expected earnings growth is moderating the multiple. The PEG ratio of 0.44, which is significantly below 1, strongly signals the stock is undervalued when its growth prospects are considered, as the market price is not fully reflecting the company's expected earnings growth rate. This contrasts with the very high P/B and EV/EBITDA ratios, which are less relevant for a asset-light, high-margin software and services business model.
Peer Comparison: Comparable industry benchmark data is not available for this analysis. Therefore, a relative valuation assessment against the broader technology sector or a custom peer group (e.g., Microsoft, Google) would be required to determine if AAPL's multiples represent a premium or discount. Based on the PEG ratio alone, which is a key relative valuation metric, AAPL appears attractively priced relative to its growth, a conclusion that would be strengthened by a favorable comparison to specific peers.
Volatility Risk: AAPL's beta of 1.107 indicates the stock historically exhibits marginally higher volatility than the broader market, making it slightly more sensitive to market-wide swings. This is corroborated by a significant one-year maximum drawdown of -30.22%, demonstrating substantial downside risk that investors must be prepared to withstand during periods of market stress.
Other Risks: The absence of notable short interest suggests a strong consensus among market participants regarding the company's fundamental stability and outlook. However, despite this positive technical signal, risks related to consumer demand cycles, regulatory pressures on its dominant platforms, and potential supply chain disruptions remain key factors that could impact performance.
Bullish. AAPL's attractive PEG ratio of 0.44 signals undervaluation relative to its growth prospects, while strong revenue growth and its safe-haven status provide fundamental support. The stock is best suited for long-term investors comfortable with typical tech sector volatility, despite near-term concerns about its AI strategy.
Based on the PEG ratio, AAPL appears undervalued. Its low PEG of 0.44 is the most compelling metric, indicating the stock price does not fully reflect its earnings growth potential. While the absolute Price-to-Sales (PS) ratio of 8.91 is high, this is more justifiable for AAPL's high-margin, asset-light business model focused on services. Compared to typical value thresholds, the PEG ratio strongly suggests the stock is attractively priced relative to its expected growth.
Based on the provided information, here are the key risks of holding AAPL:
1. High Volatility & Drawdown Risk: The stock's significant maximum drawdown of -30.22% demonstrates its vulnerability to substantial price declines during market downturns, posing a direct threat to capital. 2. Consumer Demand & Market Underperformance Risk: Recent underperformance against the broader market suggests vulnerability to shifts in consumer demand cycles or a failure to meet high growth expectations. 3. Regulatory & Platform Risk: The company faces ongoing risks from regulatory pressures targeting its dominant, closed ecosystem platforms, which could impact its business model and profitability. 4. Supply Chain Disruption Risk: As a global hardware manufacturer, AAPL remains exposed to potential disruptions within its complex supply chain that could delay production and affect revenue.
Based on my analysis, I forecast AAPL reaching a target price range of $320-$380 by 2026.
Key growth drivers include the successful monetization of its AI-integrated product ecosystem and continued high-margin expansion in the Services segment. My main assumptions are that Apple successfully executes its AI strategy without major delays and that consumer spending on premium tech remains resilient amidst a stable macroeconomic backdrop. However, this forecast is subject to significant uncertainty, primarily from potential regulatory hurdles and any macroeconomic downturn that could pressure consumer discretionary spending.