Apple had better not blow this

Apple (AAPL) had better crush quarterly numbers - or it's going to look really bad.

Giant tech companies came alive last week when Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN) and Google, er, Alphabet (GOOGL) absolutely obliterated Wall Street profit forecasts and sent each of these stocks flying. Now it's Apple's turn.

The maker of digital gadgets is expected to report its quarterly profit late Tuesday - and investors are looking for any signs the stock has been unfairly treated this year. A big upside surprise would help quell worries about a slowdown in China, which has turned into a critical market for Apple. Investors are also expecting Apple to blow away earnings - since that's what happened during the quarter at its top rivals.

Analysts are officially calling for Apple to deliver a quarterly profit of $1.87 a share - 32% higher than the same period a year ago - but are secretly looking for much more. Investors polled by Estimize are looking for the company to report a quarterly adjusted profit of $1.91 - or 2% more than Wall Street analysts.

Shares of Apple have been in correction much of this year and are lagging most other big tech stocks. Apple stock is up roughly 7% this year - beating the Standard & Poor's 500's 1% rise - but falling behind the 93% rise at Amazon, 36% rise at Alphabet and 14% gain at Microsoft.

Investors are ready for a profit beat - in fact, they're expecting it.

Follow Matt Krantz on Twitter @mattkrantz