Here's How Much Traders Expect Apple Stock to Move After Earnings Thursday

Apple is slated to report its fiscal first-quarter earnings after the closing bell Thursday, with traders anticipating a sizable move in the iPhone maker's stock following the results.

Based on current options pricing, traders expect Apple's (AAPL) stock could move about 4% in either direction by the end of the week. A move of that size from Wednesday's close around $256 could lift the stock to $266 at the high end, 7% off its December record, while the low end would put shares around $247.

Apple shares are currently about 11% below their early December highs reached amid positive signals about the global smartphone market and demand for the iPhone 17. The tech giant topped estimates in its last report in October, when CEO Tim Cook said Apple looked to be on track for its best-ever holiday season for iPhone sales.

Apple is seen posting record revenue of $138.11 billion, while earnings per share are projected to come in at $2.67, each up 11% year-over-year, according to Visible Alpha estimates.

Analysts at JPMorgan, UBS, and Morgan Stanley recently said that an ongoing memory chip shortage has raised some concerns about Apple's margins, however. Though they suggested the impact on Apple may be limited, they warned solid iPhone results could potentially be overshadowed by worries about rising memory costs.

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Wall Street analysts lean more bullish than bearish on Apple's stock. Of the eight analysts with current ratings tracked by Visible Alpha, four have recommended buying the stock, compared to three neutral ratings and one "sell." Their average price target around $291 would imply 14% upside from Wednesday's level and is about $5 above the stock's closing record.