Nasdaq AAPL Apple

Tech stocks have been on a roller-coaster ride this year. The first half of the year saw major sell-offs, with recovery seen only in the beginning of the second half. However, the stocks are again on a downward spiral due to concerns over another round of interest rate hikes by the Fed later this month. Given the current scenario, we will take a look at three tech stocks, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), and understand Wall Street's take on them.

Now, with the help of the TipRanks Stock Comparison tool, let's determine which stock could be a better buy for your investment portfolio.

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)

Microsoft is a technology company, which offers a wide range of software, services, solutions, and devices like personal computers, tablets, and gaming consoles to its users. MSFT stock has lost over 20% so far this year.

According to UBS analyst Sundeep Gantori, “AI, big data and cybersecurity are at an inflection point that should see faster adoptions in the next few years.”

He believes that demand will remain robust on the back of strong momentum in the automation, analytics, and security space.

What Is the Future of MSFT Stock?

Analysts are unanimously optimistic about Microsoft’s prospects. The stock commands a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 28 Buys and two Holds. Also, MSFT’s average price forecast of $327.41 suggests 23.2% upside potential.

Gantori highlights that Microsoft’s “valuation is still attractive compared to its large-cap peers on a free-cash-flow basis.”

Further, hedge funds seem to be very positive about the prospects of MSFT stock and have collectively increased their holdings in the company by 12.7 million shares in the last quarter.

Apple, Inc. (APPL)

Apple designs, manufactures, and sells smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories. It also offers a range of related services. Its products include iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, HomePod and AirPods.

Apple stock has been more resilient compared to its tech peers, gaining about 8% over the past six months. However, the stock is down more than 5% over the last 30 days.

Last week, Apple launched new versions of its iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro. Despite inflation and an uncertain macro backdrop, demand for its products, especially the new iPhone 14, looks robust.

Are Apple Shares a Good Buy?

Turning to Wall Street, the analyst consensus is also optimistic about Apple stock, with a Strong Buy rating based on 23 Buys, four Holds, and 1 Sell. Apple’s average price target of $183.56 indicates upside potential of 12.6%.

Wamsi Mohan from Bank of America Securities highlights that the preliminary iPhone pre-order data looks positive for Apple.

Further, Apple boasts a “Perfect 10” Smart Score on TipRanks, implying that the stock has a solid potential to outperform the market.

Meta Platforms (META)

Formerly known as Facebook, Meta Platforms is an American multinational technology company headquartered in California. The company’s product portfolio includes Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other products and services.

Meta stock has lost half of its market capitalization over the past year. It is trading near its 52-week lows at $169.

Trading at 14x P/E, the valuations look very compelling compared to its own five-year historical average of 25x. Furthermore, it is relatively cheaper than its tech peers that are trading at P/E multiples of over 25x.

Is META Stock Expected to Go Up?

Analysts on TipRanks are cautious but optimistic about the prospects of META, giving it a Moderate Buy consensus rating, which is based on 27 Buys, five Holds, and two Sells. Meta Platforms’s average price prediction of $223.70 implies 32.4% upside potential.

Markedly, making the most of the cheap valuation of Meta Platforms, hedge fund managers are buying its stock.

TipRanks’ Hedge Fund Trading Activity tool shows that the confidence in META is currently Very Positive, as some of the top hedge funds that were active in the last quarter increased their cumulative holdings by 4.5 million shares.

Bottom Line

The current sell-off in the tech space has led to an erosion in the market capitalization of many big tech players. As a result, the current price levels present a good investment opportunity for investors to take positions in big tech names like Microsoft, Apple, and Meta Platforms.

Read full Disclosure

Taiwan's GlobalWafers Co Ltd expects to start construction in November of its new $5 billion plant in Texas, the company's chairwoman and CEO said on Tuesday.

The dysfunctional dynasty of "Succession," the teen drama "Euphoria" and a comedy series set in the fictional White Lotus resort helped propel HBO to the top of the Emmy Awards heap Monday, surpassing streaming rival Netflix Inc.

Global tech giant Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently announced that the iPhone 14 has a brand new satellite SOS messaging feature that stands directly in the path of billionaire and visionary engineer Elon Musk and 5G wireless giant T-Mobile's (NASDAQ: TMUS) ambitions to bring satellite connectivity to cellphones using SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. Apple might have disrupted some aspects of T-Mobile and Musk’s envisioned dream in big and small ways.

T-Mobile’s held its “Above and Beyond” event in August. During the event, SpaceX’s Chief Engineer Elon Musk and T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert promised to unlock satellite connectivity on T-Mobile’s customers’ existing cellphones so they can remain connected to the world, at least through text and multi-media messaging when in remote areas.

Most noteworthy, T-Mobile sees the partnership with SpaceX as “more than just a groundbreaking alliance” but as an industry-shaking innovation that will "create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

The satellite messaging offering is expected to go live by the end of 2023.

Now that Apple has introduced a device with a similar service feature, T-Mobile should get scared instead, but Elon Musk’s SpaceX might welcome the new iPhone 14 feature.

iPhone 14’s Satellite Feature - A Threat to Musk?

T-Mobile’s partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to connect customers to Starlink satellites could have expanded service offerings and selling points to subscribers. The service could win over some new subscribers to its premium services. It could potentially bring roaming fees (a new revenue source) as international operators come aboard. However, the iPhone 14 unlocks the satellite feature to T-Mobile’s competitors in November to neutralize TMUS's “threat” to competitors.

Apple plans to offer SOS messaging as a free service to the phone’s users for two solid years. Mobile phone operators, including TMUS, may have no cut in the deal - no fees, probably nothing!

That said, if SpaceX and T-Mobile manage to add voice and data coverage to their satellite offering soon enough, their platform could prove superior to the iPhone 14’s bundled feature as customers may enjoy better service than Apple’s currently limited offering.

The most critical are the timelines, though. The iPhone 14’s satellite feature may be available as soon as November, while T-Mobile and Elon Musk planned a rollout by the end of next year. Apple will beat the duo to market launch, gain first mover advantage in North America, and might significantly upgrade its sat-service offering by late next year.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX May Still Win Either Way

A proliferation of mobile devices capable of efficiently connecting to SpaceX’s Starlink low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites should be good news for Elon Musk’s ambitious project. News broke out within hours of Apple’s iPhone 14 announcement that the billionaire had some promising conversations with the iPhone maker concerning its potential use of SpaceX satellites.

Where does that leave T-Mobile? On the one hand, SpaceX has a growing total addressable market. Although Apple has chosen Globalstar Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT) as its initial satellite services provider, SpaceX still has a chance to join the program and share in Apple’s $450 million advanced manufacturing fund meant to support satellite infrastructure. On the other hand, T-Mobile has a weaker bargaining position with any competitors who may wish to negotiate roaming fees for its enhanced network offering.

The Huawei Mate 50 and Mate 50 Pro will be able to send short texts and utilize navigation thanks to China’s global BeiDou satellite network, allowing for communication in areas without cellular signals.

What are the Implications for T-Mobile Stock?

Elon Musk shines the spotlight on anything he touches, more so if it’s anything publicly traded. If SpaceX commits to a T-Mobile partnership, TMUS stock may enjoy an Elon Musk boost to its valuation.

However, given that original equipment manufacturers (including China’s Huawei, which announced a similar satellite feature on its Mate 50 a day ahead of Apple’s iPhone 14 event) have joined the party, T-Mobile is at risk of being left behind by its ambitious partner. SpaceX may pursue direct deals with phone manufacturers instead.

The big question is whether it’s globally feasible for phone manufacturers and satellite companies to set up new networks that bypass existing mobile operators’ licensed spectrums. Should that ever be the case, T-Mobile should be scared of the cut-throat competition as satellite antennas increasingly compete with cell towers to provide mass communication services.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s recently announced massive $14 billion stock repurchase plan may support positive shareholder returns through September 2023. The wireless firm gained a competitive advantage over rivals AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) following its acquisition of Sprint’s assets. T-Mobile's balance sheet quality has improved, as evidenced by credit rating agency Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) upgrading TMUS to an investment-grade rating in July.

TMUS stock may still offer positive investment returns over the next 12 months as it repurchases shares and continues to grow its user base. I am, therefore, bullish on T-Mobile stock.

That said, satellite-enhanced services may be a nice-to-have feature for customers in the near term - just in case of emergencies. However, I doubt that the new capabilities may entice a significant number of new customers to switch wireless service providers and move the needle for TMUS stock.

Now that the feature is open to “everyone” holding an iPhone 14 in the United States and Canada (and the service is free for 24 months), TMUS loses some anticipated network advantage. It is beaten to the launch timeline, but the business remains well-positioned to generate lucrative investment returns for shareholders.

Is T-Mobile Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

T-Mobile stock has returned 25% in capital gains so far this year and outperformed the S&P 500’s (SPX) negative 14% return. T-Mobile has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 15 unanimous Buy ratings, with the average TMUS stock price target of $175.86 implying 21.2% upside potential upside over the next twelve months.

Conversely, TMUS's Smart Score rating of 6 out of 10 on TipRanks implies that the stock is likely to perform in-line with the overall market, going forward.

Conclusion: Apple Has Leveled the Playing Field

Apple has just leveled the playing field for U.S. mobile operators on the satellite messaging front. T-Mobile has the opportunity to still go ahead and launch its service with SpaceX, targeting non-iPhone 14 users - and there are millions of them. However, the service may not necessarily entice new customers to switch over from other network providers to boost TMUS’s revenues and cash flows.

Although T-Mobile’s dreams of scaring off competitors may have been dented in some way, SpaceX may still partner with Apple, compete with Globalsat for the $450 million fat wallet, and clinch similar deals with other phone manufacturers. Elon Musk’s dream of Starlink satellites carrying direct-to-cellphone signals remains alive.

One thing may be for sure: the days of carrying around clumsy, bulky satellite phones with heavy antennas when going on holiday or visiting remote projects are coming to an end - fast.

Disclosure

Global tech giant Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) recently announced that the iPhone 14 has a brand new satellite SOS messaging feature that stands directly in the path of billionaire and visionary engineer Elon Musk and 5G wireless giant T-Mobile's (NASDAQ: TMUS) ambitions to bring satellite connectivity to cellphones using SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. Apple might have disrupted some aspects of T-Mobile and Musk’s envisioned dream in big and small ways.

T-Mobile’s held its “Above and Beyond” event in August. During the event, SpaceX’s Chief Engineer Elon Musk and T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert promised to unlock satellite connectivity on T-Mobile’s customers’ existing cellphones so they can remain connected to the world, at least through text and multi-media messaging when in remote areas.

Most noteworthy, T-Mobile sees the partnership with SpaceX as “more than just a groundbreaking alliance” but as an industry-shaking innovation that will "create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

The satellite messaging offering is expected to go live by the end of 2023.

Now that Apple has introduced a device with a similar service feature, T-Mobile should get scared instead, but Elon Musk’s SpaceX might welcome the new iPhone 14 feature.

T-Mobile’s Satellite Ambitions Tamed by iPhone 14’s Satellite Feature?

T-Mobile’s partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to connect customers to Starlink satellites could have expanded service offerings and selling points to subscribers. The service could win over some new subscribers to its premium services. It could potentially bring roaming fees (a new revenue source) as international operators come aboard. However, the iPhone 14 unlocks the satellite feature to T-Mobile’s competitors in November to neutralize TMUS's “threat” to competitors.

Apple plans to offer SOS messaging as a free service to the phone’s users for two solid years. Mobile phone operators, including TMUS, may have no cut in the deal - no fees, probably nothing!

That said, if SpaceX and T-Mobile manage to add voice and data coverage to their satellite offering soon enough, their platform could prove superior to the iPhone 14’s bundled feature as customers may enjoy better service than Apple’s currently limited offering.

The most critical are the timelines, though. The iPhone 14’s satellite feature may be available as soon as November, while T-Mobile and Elon Musk planned a rollout by the end of next year. Apple will beat the duo to market launch, gain first mover advantage in North America, and might significantly upgrade its sat-service offering by late next year.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX May Still Win Either Way

A proliferation of mobile devices capable of efficiently connecting to SpaceX’s Starlink low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites should be good news for Elon Musk’s ambitious project. News broke out within hours of Apple’s iPhone 14 announcement that the billionaire had some promising conversations with the iPhone maker concerning its potential use of SpaceX satellites.

Where does that leave T-Mobile? On the one hand, SpaceX has a growing total addressable market. Although Apple has chosen Globalstar Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT) as its initial satellite services provider, SpaceX still has a chance to join the program and share in Apple’s $450 million advanced manufacturing fund meant to support satellite infrastructure. On the other hand, T-Mobile has a weaker bargaining position with any competitors who may wish to negotiate roaming fees for its enhanced network offering.

The Huawei Mate 50 and Mate 50 Pro will be able to send short texts and utilize navigation thanks to China’s global BeiDou satellite network, allowing for communication in areas without cellular signals.

What are the Implications for T-Mobile Stock?

Elon Musk shines the spotlight on anything he touches, more so if it’s anything publicly traded. If SpaceX commits to a T-Mobile partnership, TMUS stock may enjoy an Elon Musk boost to its valuation.

However, given that original equipment manufacturers (including China’s Huawei, which announced a similar satellite feature on its Mate 50 a day ahead of Apple’s iPhone 14 event) have joined the party, T-Mobile is at risk of being left behind by its ambitious partner. SpaceX may pursue direct deals with phone manufacturers instead.

The big question is whether it’s globally feasible for phone manufacturers and satellite companies to set up new networks that bypass existing mobile operators’ licensed spectrums. Should that ever be the case, T-Mobile should be scared of the cut-throat competition as satellite antennas increasingly compete with cell towers to provide mass communication services.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s recently announced massive $14 billion stock repurchase plan may support positive shareholder returns through September 2023. The wireless firm gained a competitive advantage over rivals AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) following its acquisition of Sprint’s assets. T-Mobile's balance sheet quality has improved, as evidenced by credit rating agency Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) upgrading TMUS to an investment-grade rating in July.

TMUS stock may still offer positive investment returns over the next 12 months as it repurchases shares and continues to grow its user base. I am, therefore, bullish on T-Mobile stock.

That said, satellite-enhanced services may be a nice-to-have feature for customers in the near term - just in case of emergencies. However, I doubt that the new capabilities may entice a significant number of new customers to switch wireless service providers and move the needle for TMUS stock.

Now that the feature is open to “everyone” holding an iPhone 14 in the United States and Canada (and the service is free for 24 months), TMUS loses some anticipated network advantage. It is beaten to the launch timeline, but the business remains well-positioned to generate lucrative investment returns for shareholders.

Is T-Mobile Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

T-Mobile stock has returned 25% in capital gains so far this year and outperformed the S&P 500’s (SPX) negative 14% return. T-Mobile has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 15 unanimous Buy ratings, with the average TMUS stock price target of $175.86 implying 21.2% upside potential upside over the next twelve months.

Conversely, TMUS's Smart Score rating of 6 out of 10 on TipRanks implies that the stock is likely to perform in-line with the overall market, going forward.

Conclusion: Apple Has Leveled the Playing Field

Apple has just leveled the playing field for U.S. mobile operators on the satellite messaging front. T-Mobile has the opportunity to still go ahead and launch its service with SpaceX, targeting non-iPhone 14 users - and there are millions of them. However, the service may not necessarily entice new customers to switch over from other network providers to boost TMUS’s revenues and cash flows.

Although T-Mobile’s dreams of scaring off competitors may have been dented in some way, SpaceX may still partner with Apple, compete with Globalsat for the $450 million fat wallet, and clinch similar deals with other phone manufacturers. Elon Musk’s dream of Starlink satellites carrying direct-to-cellphone signals remains alive.

One thing may be for sure: the days of carrying around clumsy, bulky satellite phones with heavy antennas when going on holiday or visiting remote projects are coming to an end - fast.

Disclosure

Hollywood stars gathered on Monday to toast the best of television at the annual Emmy awards, where back-stabbing drama "Succession" will battle South Korean sensation "Squid Game" for the top prize.

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 8.7 to 12,748.42. The total After hours volume is currently 91,067,948 shares traded.The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session: NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE^Q) is unchanged at $54.24, with 4,426,625 shares traded

Wall Street extended its winning streak on Monday, rallying to a sharply higher close as investors awaited crucial inflation data that could provide clues about the duration and severity of the Federal Reserve's tightening policy.

Wall Street rallied on Monday, extending its winning streak as investors awaited crucial inflation data that could provide clues about the duration and severity of the Federal Reserve's tightening policy.

Wall Street advanced to two-week highs on Monday with few impediments to thwart a three-day winning streak as investors awaited crucial inflation data.

4 Dow Jones Stocks To Watch TodayThe Dow Jones Industrial Average is a stock market index that includes 30 of the largest and most influential companies in the United States. In brief, Dow 30 stocks are widely referred to as a bellwether for the overall health of the economy. As

The Invesco S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Monday, with over 153,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 29,000. Shares of PBP were up about 1% on the day.

In early trading on Monday, shares of MMM topped the list of the day's best performing Dow Jones Industrial Average components, trading up 2.6%. Year to date, MMM has lost about 28.9% of its value.

Energy and technology shares powered U.S. stock indexes to their highest in more than two weeks on Monday ahead of a crucial inflation reading this week that could determine the pace of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

What happened Shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) climbed higher on Monday, adding as much as 3.5%. At 11:42 a.m. ET, the stock was still up 3.3%.

Alphabet Inc is considering moving some production of Pixel phones to India following disruptions in China from COVID-19 lockdowns and Beijing's rising tensions with the United States, the Information reported on Monday, citing a source.

Energy and technology shares helped drive U.S. stocks to their highest in more than two weeks on Monday ahead of a crucial inflation reading this week that could determine the pace of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

The broader market has been stumbling for most of 2022, though it didn't officially find the sleeping bear's den until June. Now we find ourselves in September -- historically the worst-performing month of the year for the market, and already taking a toll on some stocks.

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, the Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 12/17/2007.

Hollywood stars will gather on Monday night to toast the best of television at the annual Emmy awards, where back-stabbing drama "Succession" will battle South Korean sensation "Squid Game" for the top prize.