In focus: AAPL

It was only a year ago when Apple past Microsoft's market cap. Now it is 42% more. I'm not just talking about software though. Apple has branched out to many competitive markets, and has been a wrecking ball. The iPod has a stranglehold on portable music players, ownership of their models accumulate above the US penetration threshold. The iPhone is the primary factor of competition in the smartphone sector. None of the tablets that I've played with match are as satisfying as the iPad.

While many of other devices may come out with better specifications and versatility, Apple is prime with the user experience, software hardware optimization, spec:price value ratio, and above all- customer loyalty. It's infectious, almost scary.

The stock has been in battle with the resistance line of $360. It is around $30 below that and now appears to be in a reversal with momentum until their Q1 2011 earnings report on April 20th. Their iPad 2 has yet to be included. Verizon iPhone 4 sales too. iPhone 5 is coming, let alone rumors. 84 international retail stores. App store and advertisement income, thriving! Are the expectations of 5.34 EPS high? No. Their last quarter was 6.34 EPS! Balance sheet is still clean. With a winning streak of +5, this earning statement will either be: the catalyst that drives tech to the ground, or the wake up call the sector desperately needs entering the summer. It's P/E is under 19 vs. Google's P/E of 21. Google is expected to report later this week.

Interest rates haven't increased. Cramer aside, the stock is healthier than it looks based on the past weeks. If anything, APPL has been suffering from the NASDAQ index's downfall. Japan, Libya, crude oil, U.S. Federal government shutdown... those are enough reasons for sellers to show up. I still see a flock people in the Apple Store whenever I go to the mall. Demand is handled. The company will handle itself, and so will the stock.

Bottom line: Buy AAPL, with price target of $380.

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