Many unpredictable factors can nudge (or even shove) the final number one way or another… from raw materials inflation to foreign currency fluctuations to the impact of tariffs. Among the Wall Street analysts who follow Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) every step, some expect 2020 earnings to be as weak as $11 per share, others as strong as $14. As an analyst, that makes my job tougher, considering future earnings and cash flows not only dictate dividend distributions but are also a key determinant in stock prices.