Although tech giant Apple (AAPL -0.57%) has roughly matched the Nasdaq's performance over the last 12 months when taking into account the recent tech sell-off, the world's largest publicly traded company has underperformed the broad markets thus far in 2014.

However, Apple's recent underperformance could become a thing of the past as a number of key events that will begin later this month could have a positive impact on its shares, most notably the arrival of the iPhone 6 later this year. Investors would do well to take notice.

The case for buying Apple
The first possible boon for its shares could occur next week when Apple reports its FY Q2 earnings, especially with the prospect of a dividend increase also looming large.

Beyond its impending earnings, Apple's product pipeline is garnering more buzz than in the last few years for a few reasons. First, the iPhone 6 already has consumers' interest piqued regarding the widely expected revamp of its form factor as well as a number of possible technical innovations that could serve as an exclamation point for Apple in what's shaping up to be a relatively unimpressive year for smartphone debuts.

Source: Apple.

However, Apple is also poised to introduce at least one new product later this year. Its widely rumored iWatch is perhaps the best bet at this point. Apple TV could also prove another point of interest as well.

In the video below, tech and telecom analyst Andrew Tonner argues that now's the time to consider snapping up Apple shares while they remain somewhat depressed ahead of key announcements in the second half.