Consumer Electronics

Apple Short Interest Dips 3%

courtesy of Apple Inc.

The short interest in Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) stock fell 3.2% ahead of its troubled earnings to 66 million shares. That was for the period that ended January 15, and it put Apple in the number eight spot among all Nasdaq-traded companies.

The size of the short interest change is small in light of Apple’s recent earnings report, which showed a flattening of iPhone sales and only modest improvement in revenue:

Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 first quarter ended December 26, 2015. The Company posted record quarterly revenue of $75.9 billion and record quarterly net income of $18.4 billion, or $3.28 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $74.6 billion and net income of $18 billion, or $3.06 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 40.1 percent compared to 39.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 66 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

iPhone sales were 74.8 million, just below an anticipated 75 million.


And Apple’s forecast was well under what was expected:

Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2016 second quarter:

  • revenue between $50 billion and $53 billion
  • gross margin between 39 percent and 39.5 percent
  • operating expenses between $6 billion and $6.1 billion
  • other income/(expense) of $325 million
  • tax rate of 25.5 percent

Investors short Apple’s stock have benefited from its share price, which is off 22% over the past three months to $93.42 and fell 6.6% in trading the day after its earnings.

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.