Investment in Apple stocks: Complete guide to profitability and buying strategies

The Growth Potential of Apple in Recent Years

Apple’s stocks have proven to be one of the most attractive investments in the contemporary stock market. Between May and July 2024, they experienced exceptional growth, rising from $165 USD to reach $238 USD, representing a 44.24% gain in just three months. Additionally, there is a quarterly dividend of $0.25 USD per share, equivalent to $1 USD annually.

Looking at the historical perspective, the growth has been even more impressive: a decade ago, in November 2014, the stocks traded around $29 USD, while in November 2024, they exceeded $220 USD. This represents an approximately 8-fold multiplication of the invested capital, demonstrating the company’s long-term solidity and consistency.

Why Does Apple Remain a Strategic Investment?

Apple’s strength is not limited solely to profitability figures. The company has established an unparalleled brand prestige in the technology industry. Although there are more innovative devices on the market, none possess the recognition and demand that characterize the iPhones. This ability to maintain relevance and appeal to consumers is what sets Apple apart from its competitors.

In 2023, Apple reported net income of $96.990 billion USD, a figure that demonstrates the company’s financial health. A significant portion of this income is reinvested in research and development of new technologies, ensuring the company’s future competitiveness.

Recently, Apple has made significant inroads into artificial intelligence development with its Apple Intelligence project, progressively integrated into its flagship products. This strategic investment in AI represents a fundamental pillar for projected growth in the coming years, positioning the company at the forefront of digital transformation.

In addition to iPhones, Apple has successfully expanded its portfolio with high-performance laptops, iPads, competitive headphones, and streaming services like Apple Music and Apple TV, which generate recurring and diversified revenue streams.

Ways to Invest in Apple Stocks

Unlike a few years ago, today there are multiple channels to participate in Apple’s growth. The available options are varied and suited to different investor profiles:

Digital trading platforms: Trading apps and websites allow quick purchase of Apple shares via mobile devices. A good trading app should offer an intuitive interface, competitive commissions or reduced spreads, and flexible hours. Transactions are carried out during trading days when the stock market is open. Some platforms charge a commission per transaction, while others operate under a spread system.

Traditional banking institutions: Banks offer investment tools integrated into their online banking services. Although these tools are usually less flexible compared to specialized trading apps, they are convenient for investors who prefer to centralize their financial operations with their usual bank.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Technology sector ETFs provide an alternative for those who prefer passive investment. Examples like the First Trust Dow Jones Internet ETF, Vanguard Information Technology ETF, or Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF include significant positions in Apple, although they diversify the portfolio across multiple tech companies. This option reduces risk concentration but also dilutes potential gains.

Contracts for Difference (CFDs): CFDs allow investing in the price variation of stocks without directly acquiring them. This mode offers flexibility to open and close positions quickly, making it particularly useful for short-term strategies. The leverage available in CFDs can multiply potential gains, but also amplifies the risks of loss. Automatic closing systems can be set up as a protective measure when the price falls below predefined thresholds.

Profitability Analysis: How Much Can You Earn?

Apple’s profitability comes from two main sources: stock appreciation and dividend yields.

Regarding appreciation, the recent boost from deploying Apple Intelligence in iPhones favored significant expansion, with the price climbing from $170 USD to over $230 USD. This movement reflects market confidence in the company’s innovative capacity.

As for dividends, Apple maintains a generous policy with its shareholders. The most recent dividend reached 0.45%, representing a 5.57% growth compared to the previous three-year period. Shareholders receive these payments automatically in their investment platforms after issuance, provided they hold the shares in their portfolio.

The combination of both sources of return positions Apple among the most attractive investments currently available. Its controlled volatility and consistent growth trajectory offer a balance between relative safety and the potential for above-average profitability in the tech sector.

Outlook for 2025 and Future Horizon

Although Apple’s stocks have reached all-time highs, analysts maintain optimistic perspectives. Continued investment in artificial intelligence, development of next-generation chips like the M4, and the future architecture M5 suggest room for further appreciation.

Some analyses have proposed the $300 USD level as a potential reference during the next twelve months, although the price could surpass this mark depending on operational results in 2024 and announced technological advances.

For investors with a medium to long-term horizon, Apple maintains the fundamentals to continue generating significant returns, supported by its market leadership position, consistent innovation, and revenue diversification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investing in Apple

What is Apple’s current dividend?
The most recent quarterly dividend was $0.25 USD per share, equivalent to $1 USD annually. This yield grows consistently year after year.

How are dividends received?
Once you own shares in your investment portfolio, the platform automatically credits the dividend to your account after issuance.

How do CFDs operate on Apple?
CFDs allow exposure to Apple’s price movement without actually buying the shares. You can open long or short positions, closing them quickly to capture gains from short-term movements. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses.

What is the best strategy for 2025?
This depends on your risk profile and time horizon. Long-term investors can hold direct purchase positions to capture fundamental growth. Short-term traders can use CFDs or specialized trading apps to leverage volatility. Conservative investors might prefer diversified ETFs including Apple.