Shares of Apple surged today, driven by unexpectedly strong demand for its iPhone 17 series, while major M&A announcements from Pfizer and The ODP Corporation also helped set the tone for markets. Apple stocks rose more than 4%, hitting a 2025 high amid upgraded sales forecasts and production boosts. Meanwhile Pfizer agreed to acquire obesity-drug developer Metsera in a $4.9 billion deal, and ODP accepted a $1 billion takeover bid from Atlas Holdings.
Strong iPhone 17 Demand Drives Apple Stocks
Apple stocks have seen a sharp uptick after analysts reported that the iPhone 17 launch is tracking 10-15% ahead of the iPhone 16 in terms of early orders. Wedbush’s Dan Ives raised his price target on Apple from $270 to $310, citing the stronger upgrade cycle and robust global interest.
Additionally, Apple has asked several suppliers—including Luxshare Precision—to increase production of the standard $799 iPhone 17 by at least 30%, after surprisingly strong pre-orders.
Big Deals: Pfizer-Metsera & ODP Acquisition Shake Up Pharma and Retail
- Pfizer’s acquisition of Metsera: Pfizer announced it will pay $47.50 per share in cash (roughly $4.9 billion upfront) to purchase Metsera, a company developing obesity treatments. An additional payment of up to $22.50 per share will be contingent on performance and regulatory milestones. The deal reflects Pfizer’s renewed push into obesity drug development.
- The ODP Corporation (ODP): ODP agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of Atlas Holdings in an all-cash transaction valued at about $1 billion, paying $28 per share. This represents a premium of approximately 34% over ODP’s share price prior to the announcement. Once the deal closes (expected by end of 2025), ODP will be delisted from Nasdaq.
Analyst and Market Responses
Analysts view the surge in Apple stocks as more than just short-term enthusiasm. Wedbush has raised its forecasts for Apple’s sales volume, especially pointing to a “pent-up upgrade cycle” among users whose devices are several generations old. Some concerns remain over the lower profit margins of more affordable iPhone 17 models and the competitive pressure in premium tiers.
On the M&A side, Pfizer’s deal is seen as a bullish move into a growing therapeutic area, while ODP’s takeovers reflect trend toward consolidation among retail/service firms under stress. Investors responded positively: ODP’s stock surged over 30% in pre-market trading after its deal was announced.
What This Means for Investors
- Earnings potential: With Apple stocks rising, expectations for its fiscal 2026 revenue and device unit growth are being adjusted upward. Strong iPhone 17 demand could improve margins if supply chain constraints are minimized.
- Risk factors: Premium models lagging could drag down average selling price. Also, macroeconomic risks (trade tensions, inflation, etc.) still hover over tech hardware.
- Sector trends: The Pfizer-Metsera deal underscores pharma’s focus on obesity and weight-loss treatments. The ODP deal showcases private equity / acquisition interest in brick-and-mortar retail and office services.
- Market sentiment: Appetite for Apple stocks and deals like these suggests investors are leaning toward companies with strong product cycles and acquisitive strategies.
FAQs
A: Because early demand for the iPhone 17 is ahead of the previous cycle, prompting upgrades in production forecasts and upward revisions from analysts.
A: It marks Pfizer’s strategic reentry into the obesity treatment market, acquiring multiple clinical-stage programs and paying substantial premiums, showing confidence in future pipeline growth.
A: ODP shareholders receive a 34% cash premium per share under the deal; after completion, the company will be privately held and removed from the stock exchange.
Apple stocks’ momentum illustrates how strong product launches and expectations can reshape investor outlook, while big deals in pharma and retail hint at active strategic shifts across sectors.
