The incredible run of A﷽pple stock has been well-documented, alongside the company’s history and ground-breaking products. A $100 investment in the company’s stock at the beginning of 2002 would have grown to more than 520 times the original investment as of October 2024.

All Apple stock price quo♕tes in this article are outright prices, not prices adjusted for dividends and splits. The effect of stock splits is noted and calculated into the total result. But, the impact of dividends🍸, which would slightly enhance the value of the investment, is not reflected.

Apple's Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Apple launched its initial public offering (IPO) on December 12, 1980, selling 46 million shares at $22. The company's shares sold out almost immediately; at that point in time, no other company had generated more capital with its public offering since Ford went public in 1956. Because of the large number of shareholders, the company had to hold its first shareholder meeting as a public company at De Anza College's Flint Center in Cupertino.

Gradual Ascent to Prominence and Profits

It’s easy to view Apple as a monumental success story now. However, the beginning of this investment adventure wouldn't have started well.

The closing share price quoted for Apple for Jan. 2, 2002, the first trading day of the year, was $23.30. Rounding to the nearest whole share, a $100 investment would have secured four shares of Apple's stock.

But, by the end of 2002, the stock price declined to $14.33 a share. In terms of the hypothetical $100 investment in this article, this would have represented an approximately 40% loss. However, the next couple of years were lucrative for Apple investors; the company continued to grow in the marketplace—as a result of more advanced versions of its popular iPod and the opening of the iTunes store in 2003. By the end of 2004, Apple’s stock price climbed to $64.40 per share, making an original investment of $100 now worth $257.60.

A Stock Split and Continuing Climb

In February 2005, Apple initiated a two-for-one 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:stock split, which would have transformed the original investment into a total of eight shares. In 2006, Apple debuted the MacBook Pro, the second Apple desktop computer product that used Intel’s core duo processor. In 2007, it followed up with the launch of the iPhone, which revolutionized the cell phone industry. The iPhone 3G followed in 2008, and in 2010, the iPhone 4 was introduced, along with another soon-to-be wildly successful product, the iPad.

The stock's closing price at the end of 2005 was $71.89, making the total value of the investment $575.12. Two years later, the 2007 closing price was $198.08, making the hypothetical investment worth $1,584.64. The stock suffered approximately a 50% downside 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:retracement in 2008, closing out the year at $85.35 a share.

However, in 2009 Apple stock resumed its long-term uptrend and closed out 2010 at $46.08 a share—which, multiplied by eight shares, equals $368.64. It may have been tempting for an investor to sell at that point, having more than tripled their original investment. But, that would have been a short-sighted mistake, as there was more good fortune in store for Apple shareholders.

Another Split and a Steeper Uptrend

Apple’s status as a leading firm in the technology sector has only enhanced and solidified in the past decades, as the company regularly introduced new and improved versions of the iPhone and the iPad—and unveiled the Apple Watch.

Apple stock began a steep uptrend between mid-2010 and 2015. During this period, the stock only suffered one major downside correction—which extended from late 2012 through mid-2013, when stock price retraced from $100.01 on September 17, 2012—then down to $56.65 a share on June 24, 2013. Following that corrective retracement, the stock resumed an even sharper uptrend, one that lasted into the first half of 2015.

In June 2014, Apple did a seven-for-one stock split. At that time, eight shares would have become 56, which sold for $93.70 per share immediately following the split. That would make the original, hypothetical investment worth $5,247.20. When the stock price hit its 2015 high closing price of $133 a share, 56 shares were worth $7,448. Subsequent price action saw Apple stock in another downside correction.

On October 16, 2019, Apple closed at $235.67. Multiplied by 56 shares, the total value would have been $13,197.52. In August 2020, Apple did a four-for-one stock split. At that time, 56 shares would have become 224 shares.

On October 21, 2024, Apple closed at $236.22. Multiplied by 224, the initial investment would be worth $52,913.28.

How Does Apple Stock Look Now?

Going forward, Apple is still a leading 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:technology firm. In all likelihood, it will continue to outperform in the sector. As of November 30, 2024, Apple has a market capitalization value of $3.55 trillion. Apple's market capitalization hit $1 trillion on August 2, 2018—the first publicly traded company to ever reach that mark. The company's share prices rose as high as $233.47 after reaching that milestone. Apple has a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:price/earnings ratio (P/E) of 39.03. Apple’s return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) figures are also substantially above average.

How to Take a Bite Out of the Apple

Because Apple stock comes at such a premium, it may not be feasible for all retail investors to buy shares in the company outright. But, that doesn't mean you can't take part in the action. After all, it's one of the most recognized brands in the world.

Consider investing in a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a position in Apple. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs don't require a minimum investment, and many ETFs are commission and/or fee-free. But, if you're set on buying actual shares in the company, consider setting a minimum aside in your brokerage account and buying fractional shares. You can buy a little at a time until you secure a full set of shares.

The Bottom Line

While it would have been wonderful to acquir꧟e Apple stock for just a little over $20 a share in hindsight, that doesn’t mean the stock isn’t also worth buying now, at over $200 a share. Apple’s financials look strong 💞across the board, and the company has more than established its ability to introduce quality products and win in the marketplace. Therefore, investors may do well to consider buying Apple for future returns on investment.