How to Buy Apple Stock Now, Forecast and Dividend Guide
If buying Apple stock is one of the first choices of both novice and experienced investors, it is not only because it is the biggest company in the world. In fact, Apple Inc stock has many strong points that justify buying it, whatever your investor profile. In this analysis, we will review the characteristics and advantages of AAPL stock. We’ll also look at how much is Apple stock, its history as well as expected AAPL forecasts. Finally, we will introduce you to a safe and easy way to buy AAPL stock.
Apple Stock Overview
Apple is a technology stock listed on the Nasdaq. The Apple stock symbol and AAPL. Like all US stocks, the value of Apple stock is updated in real time from 9:30am to 4pm local time – however, it is also possible to trade Apple stock after hours.
With a market capitalization of nearly $2.5 trillion, Apple is one of the largest companies in the world. Founded by Steve Jobs and initially famous for its Macintosh computers, Apple is nowadays best known as the manufacturer of the iPhone and iPad. However, beyond this activity of selling technological equipment, the company has diversified into selling services, notably via its App Store or music and video streaming services.
Apple is also known as one of the most innovative companies globally, and consumers are known to be loyal to the brand. Thus, AAPL is one of the few stocks that combine the advantage of being a world-famous brand and an exciting investment opportunity.
Apple Stock History
Let’s now analyze in detail the Apple stock history based on the study of the AAPL stock chart.
Apple Stock Evolution
Before describing the historical evolution of the AAPL stock price, it seems interesting to point out that the Apple stock split history shows it has undergone 5 stock splits since IPO. In particular, it underwent a stock split at a ratio of 2 to 1 in June 1987, in June 2000, and in February 2005.
The latest Apple stock split occurred in June 2014 at a ratio of 4 to 1. Finally, investors should note that if Apple had never performed a stock split, its stock would be worth more than $30,000 today.
Apple Stock Chart
As seen on the long-term Apple stock chart, the underlying trend has always been upward, and even more so since the 2000s. The stock has certainly experienced a few correction phases during its history. However, as we can see on the chart above, these correction phases have never challenged the underlying uptrend.
Investors should also note that the rise in Apple Inc stock price has accelerated sharply from 2019. Indeed, while it was moving towards $40 at the beginning of 2019, AAPL stock reached a peak above $80 one year later, thus doubling in value in 12 months.
After falling due to the covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in a low around $50, Apple stock quote resumed its rise, until an all-time high at $157 in September 2021, after tripling its value in a year and a half.
Why Invest in Apple Stock? Points to Consider
In this section, we’ll look at the main fundamental arguments that point to a bullish future for Apple Inc share price.
Apple device sales will soar thanks to 5G
Apple unveiled its first 5G network-capable devices in 2021, signalling the start of a super growth cycle. Indeed, hundreds of millions of smartphone users will have to upgrade their phones to take advantage of 5G networks over the next few years. This will thus encourage iPhone users to renew their devices early while attracting new buyers. To conclude, 5G technology deployment should, of course, boost AAPL stock’s bottom line considerably.
Apple is the biggest company in the world
With a capitalization of about $2500 billion, Apple is the biggest company globally in terms of market capitalization. This ensures that, regardless earning and Apple stock news, it will still attract the attention of millions of investors worldwide. Moreover, such a market capitalization implies a robust business. This, therefore, makes the stock less risky than many others.
Strong financial results
Without going into the details of recent financial results, we note that Apple has a strong tendency to exceed analysts’ expectations. For example, the stock has exceeded consensus expectations regarding earnings per share for the past few consecutive quarters. In terms of revenue, it has exceeded expectations in all but 5 quarters since 2015. Traders should also note that Apple’s quarterly financial results are often good news that helps the stock price rise.
One of Warren Buffett’s favorite stocks
Last but not least, AAPL stock is part of the portfolio of the legendary investor Warren Buffett. It is even one of his most significant holdings. This is another reason why investors worldwide pay attention to AAPL, regardless of its evolution or Apple stock news. Indeed, many investors follow the positions and advice of the investor commonly known as the Oracle of Omaha.
Apple Stock Dividend Information
Below, we will look at Apple stock forecast from three angles: fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and analyst forecasts.
Fundamental analysis of Apple stock
From a fundamental perspective, there are 3 main highlights for AAPL stock.
- First, the rollout of 5G technology will greatly accelerate iPhone and iPad sales.
- Second, revenues from Apple’s services are up very strongly, which diversifies the company’s revenue and reduces risk.
- Finally, as we have seen above, it is very common for Apple’s quarterly financial results to exceed analyst consensus expectations.
The technical backdrop for Apple stock is favorable for buying
Technical analysis of Apple stock chart also points to an uptrend. Indeed, the stock regularly catches its breath without ever questioning the underlying uptrend. Furthermore, we can see solid support in the $140 area, protecting Apple stock from a too substantial decline.
Analysts recommend buying Apple stock
As far as analyst recommendations go, first of all, Apple is one of the most followed stocks on Wall Street, with no less than 26 analysts regularly sharing their Apple stock forecast:
- The vast majority, 20, recommend to buy Apple stock.
- Six have a neutral view, simply suggesting a Hold.
- There are no sell recommendations for Apple shares.
Concerning the average analyst target, it stands at $170. And finally, for longer-term forecasts, such as the Apple stock forecast 2025, analysts rarely publish official Apple stock predictions.
Where to Buy Apple Stock
To buy Apple stock, you first need to open an account with an online trading broker. You should choose your broker carefully and make sure it is reliable, regulated and offers you the tools you need to trade in the best conditions. The broker ZFX fulfills these criteria and more.
Indeed, ZFX is a regulated broker, making it an safe and reliable option. It provides its clients with the MT4 trading platform, which is the most widely used globally thanks to its many technical analysis and automated trading advantages. With ZFX, you can trade leading stocks including AAPL and many more, as well as indices, forex pairs and commodities. Finally, the broker provides tools to help you practice and keep learning. These include a free demo account, free market news and insights and more.
How to Buy Apple Stock Easily
Trading Apple shares through ZFX is simple and fast. Indeed, you can open your account entirely online, and it takes only a few steps. Let’s go through these steps in detail.
1 – Register with ZFX
For this first step, you will need to go to the ZFX broker’s website, and click on the “open an account” button.
You will then have to fill in a registration form with several personal details, including your phone number, which will be verified by SMS.
After filling out the form, select “Next” at the bottom of the page. Immediately after this step, ZFX will display your MT4 login and password, and invite you to download the platform. This important, as you will need access to MT4 to trade AAPL.
2 – Make your first deposit
To fund your account, click on “Make a deposit” on the screen that is displayed immediately after registration. You will then be asked to choose a payment method, which can be a bank transfer or credit card payment depending on what you prefer.
On this screen, simply indicate the deposit amount and then click on “Confirm Deposit”. You will then be asked for your credit card information before the final validation of the payment.
3 – Account verification
Finally, it will also be necessary to proceed with the account verification by sending supporting documents. These must prove your identity, your address and the validity of your bank details.
As shown in the image above, you just need to upload the documents to the ZFX website.
4 – Invest in Apple stock
Once ZFX validates your documents, you can trade Apple stock. To do so, download MT4 and simply log into the platform using the details sent to you by ZFX. Once logged in, you will be able to select Apple share among the assets offered, and invest in the way that suits you.
Bottom Line: Should I Buy Apple Stock Now?
To conclude, there are many reasons why investors choose to buy Apple stock, both for its short and long-term prospects. Factors such as the rollout of 5G and the development of Apple’s services business provide significant opportunities for Apple to continue breaking financial records. Moreover, beyond these fundamental clues, technical elements such as the analysis of the chart trend or the study of the targets of professional analysts point to a bullish future for AAPL.
If you would like to take advantage of the potential of the Apple stock and add it to your portfolio today, you can do so easily and safely with ZFX. For all the reasons mentioned in this article, it is a reliable and optimal broker to trade AAPL and many other leading stocks.