4 Catalysts That Could Reignite Apple Inc. (AAPL) in 2013

Of course, the Apple/China Mobile deal faces challenges, which Foolish blogger Reuben Brewer detailed here. China Mobile is using its huge subscriber base as a negotiating ploy to grab a generous handset subsidy or a share of app revenues. But expectations are set pretty low for this deal’s outcome. If Tim Cook can negotiate a reasonable bargain, it could be a huge boost for the stock.

Winter OMG Product

The biggest criticism from analysts is no new ‘Oh My God’ product in Apple’s pipeline. Management has remained tight-lipped about its R&D projects, but there are clues that something big is in the works.

Last year the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was in negotiations with television service providers and content producers, suggesting that a new iTV is in development. More recently, reports have surfaced that Apple is working with Asian component suppliers to test parts for television sets. Industry analysts believe the iTV could revolutionize the television experience with a cloud-based DVR, social sharing features, and an icon-based user interface.

Foolish Bottom Line

Unfortunately, all of the above catalysts remain rumors and Apple shares will continue languish until management provides Wall Street greater clarity about the company’s future.

Analysts need to see answers to the following two questions before the stock can gain traction: 1) How will Apple counter competitive threats from Google’s Android OS and the Samsung Galaxy? 2) Does the company have something big in the product pipeline? While there are clues something positive is in the works, investors should look out for answers to these questions in upcoming quarters.

The article 4 Catalysts That Could Reignite Apple in 2013 originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Robert Baillieul.

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