The long awaited earnings report from AAPL finally arrived. Not only did AAPL delivered a blowout EPS and revenue due to strong IPhone sales, but a surprise announcement of a 7 for 1 stock split, increase in dividend, and an additional $30B of stock buyback lifted the stock price more than 8% during after hour trading.
The options market was pricing in a move that will result in an upside target near the 550 level and a downside target near 502. Looking at the latest open interest figures for AAPL weekly options expiring 4/25/2014, there are some huge open interest at 540, 550, 560 and 570 strikes. Depend on how the in-the-money option contracts unwind tomorrow, the level near 570 could pose some resistance.
Open Interest:
(click on the chart to enlarge)
This potential resistance level near 570 is one of the pivot high on AAPL daily price chart.
Daily:
If AAPL can break through this resistance level, then the next potential resistance could be up near the 594 (see weekly chart).
Weekly: