Apple, Microsoft, AppLovin And An Energy Stock: CNBC's 'Final Trades'

On CNBC's “Halftime Report Final Trades,” Joshua Brown, co-founder and CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, picked Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), saying he likes the setup for the stock going into the rest of the year.

Supporting his view, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, on Feb. 17, reiterated Apple with an Outperform rating and maintained a $350 price target.

Jim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, said Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) recently reported better-than-expected cash flow.

Transocean, on Feb. 19, delivered adjusted earnings of 2 cents per share, missing the 8-cent consensus, while revenue climbed to $1.04 billion, slightly ahead of forecasts.

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Bill Baruch, founder and CIO of both Blue Line Capital, an investment advisor, and Blue Creek Capital Management, said AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP) reported terrific margins.

Applovin shares gained on Friday in response to social media comments suggesting that the company is working with OpenAI to monetize ChatGPT through ads.

Kevin Simpson, Capital Wealth Planning CIO, said he likes Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), trading under the $400 level.

Stifel analyst Brad Reback downgraded Microsoft from Buy to Hold on Feb. 5 and lowered the price target from $540 to $392.

Price Action:

• Apple shares gained 1.5% to close at $264.58 on Friday.
• Transocean rose 2.5% to settle at $6.52 during the session.
• AppLovin shares gained 1.6% to settle at $418.68 on Friday.
• Microsoft shares fell 0.3% to close at $397.23 during the session.

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