Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) reports its third quarter earnings on July 23. Assuming lower than estimated projections, some investors will short the stock hoping to acquire shares that are discounted on the negative news. These investors will strike a gold mine as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) rises after the potentially bad news settles. But even at its current price, Apple boasts 3 strengths that make it a good long term investment.