Founded in by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. Apple stock's big gain follows the tech giant's return to growth a few quarters ago, as well as greater investor confidence in the company's ability to continue growing its business. But with Apple stock trading so much higher, it's a good time to ask the all-important question: Is Apple stock still a buy at this level?

The bull case for Apple is highlighted by the company's recent return to growth and its conservative valuation Yes, Apple stock still trades conservatively even after its recent gains. Apple's growth prospects are undoubtedly looking more favorable than they were last year.

How to Buy Apple Stock | ToughNickel

After reporting three quarters in a row of declining revenue in fiscal , Apple has now reported two quarters in a row of year-over-year growth. Even more, Apple's growth in its most recent quarter actually accelerated compared to growth in the quarter before it.

Revenue in fiscal Q2 was up 4.

This compares to year-over-year growth for revenue and EPS in Q1 of 3. Going forward, Apple expects growth to continue to accelerate. In addition, despite Apple stock's soaring stock price recently, shares continue to trade conservatively. For instance, Apple stock has a price-to-earnings ratio of Comparisons aside, Apple's long track record of fat profit margins and pricing power alone makes it easy to imagine the tech giant living up to this valuation.

3 Reasons to Buy Apple Stock -- The Motley Fool

But one reason for investors to be cautious about investing in Apple is the company's undeniable dependence on its iPhone, which happens to also be a business segment that is showing signs of peaking. To be fair, Apple's iPhone 7 lineup marks the third generation in a row of new iPhones with the same general form factor.

So, it's possible that some customers are holding out for a more significantly refreshed iPhone, which the ever-active Apple rumor mill believes is coming later this year -- just on time for the tenth anniversary of the important phone. But here's where the risk to Apple's business is best understood: If iPhone sales do begin to decline in the future, this could be a major problem since the smartphone segment accounts for well over half of Apple's revenue.

Despite Apple stock's roaring gains recently, I'm going to continue siding with the bulls. Sure, I wouldn't put as much of my money on the stock today as I would a year ago, but I'm not planning to trim my position either.

As long as Apple continues to demonstrate strong pricing power and earnings growth, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19 still seems compelling for this established leader. Daniel Sparks owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Daniel Sparks is a senior technology specialist at The Motley Fool.

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