AAPL shares surge on strong guidance

Apple shares surge on strong guidance and record results, driving a rally that pushes the stock to new highs. The tech giant reported its best March quarter ever, with revenue up 17% to $111.2 billion, driven by strong iPhone and Mac demand. Apple also issued upbeat guidance and expanded its capital-return plans, including a $100 billion share buyback.

The market impact is significant, with Apple shares jumping over 3% on Friday and 4% on Thursday, headed for the sharpest rally since August. The stock broke out to new all-time highs, with analysts resetting their price targets. The bullish sentiment is fueled by Apple's ability to navigate tariff concerns and AI doubts, as well as its strong services growth and margin resilience.

What to watch next: Apple's guidance for the current quarter, which sailed past analysts' estimates, sets the stage for its next earnings report on July 27. Additionally, investors will closely monitor the progress of Apple's capital-return plans, particularly the $100 billion share buyback. Lastly, the stock's chart suggests a potential break to $300, a level that will be closely watched by traders.