Apple Shares Continue to Surge as Record-Breaking Market Cap Passes $720 Billion

[MacRumors]

Apple shares are currently valued at roughly $124 each in intraday trading, giving the Cupertino-based company a record-breaking market cap exceeding $720 billion. Apple stock continues to rise after the iPhone maker became the first U.S. company to close with a market cap over $700 billion on Tuesday, the same day in which CEO Tim Cook spoke live at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference.

Apple shares have risen over 48% since the start of 2014, despite some critics suggesting that the company has faced a lack of innovation since the passing of late co-founder Steve Jobs. Apple has been particularly successful in China, which Cook claims has grown from a $1 billion to $38 billion market for the company in the past five years. Apple plans to expand from 19 to 40 retail stores in China over the next year to keep up with the high demand for its products in the world's most populous country.

Apple announced its earnings results for the first fiscal quarter of 2015 last month, posting revenue of $74.6 billion and net quarterly profit of $18 billion, or $3.06 per diluted share. Apple sold a record-breaking 74.5 million iPhones during the quarter on the strength of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, paving the way for the company to report the most profitable quarter of any corporation ever.

Cook confirmed on Tuesday that Apple will announce any potential changes to stock buybacks or dividends during its April earnings call. The chief executive added that Apple does not need as much cash as it is generating for operations, assuring that it is committed to returning money to shareholders through its capital return program.

Article Link: Apple Shares Continue to Surge as Record-Breaking Market Cap Passes $720 Billion

 

[neuropsychguy]

Other than my education, Apple stock has been the best investment I've ever made.

 

[SSD-GUY]

Apple is doomed they said.

 

[JoEw]

But apple is doomed

 

[dannyyankou]

Apple's stock is up 25% since the iPhone 6 launched. Impressive.

 

[CJM]

It was rather low 6-8 months ago. I should have bought in.

Well really I've been saying that for years and never have. Even a couple of weeks ago it was 117.

 

[luckydcxx]

I will say it again... AAPL is still undervalued. It should be trading around 160.

 

[madsci954]

$124.35. Before the split, it would have been $870.45

 

[viorelgn]

Obama's eye's are popping ! He wants his his share so he could start distribution !

 

[duaneu]

$124.35. Before the split, it would have been $870.45

Nice, I bought some shares when it was in the low 300's.

 

[wesk702]

$124.35. Before the split, it would have been $870.45

Had my doubts buying after the split, but glad I did #

 

[The Barron]

Love it!

Apple's up 68% since Feb.3 last year.

Let's say it goes up only 50% from today's share price; that will put it around $186.35 in a year. Oh, that would be $1,304.45 pre-split. YES!!

I say it can do it.

 

[wesk702]

I will say it again... AAPL is still undervalued. It should be trading around 160.

No doubt, well new target is 150. Should be seeing that by the end of the year.

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[Thanatoast]

Rather than use the cash for stock manipulation and dividends they should pay it out to their workers. Time was when the producers got a share of the pie and the economy was better for it.

 

[newdeal]

Rather than use the cash for stock manipulation and dividends they should pay it out to their workers. Time was when the producers got a share of the pie and the economy was better for it.

I guess the workers should buy apple stock then

 

[The Barron]

It Depends

Rather than use the cash for stock manipulation and dividends they should pay it out to their workers. Time was when the producers got a share of the pie and the economy was better for it.

If the "workers" are full time Apple employees at their stores, etc. then they are offered options at a reduced cost depending upon time of service and a few other requirements. If they can't receive stock options, then they can purchase shares like most of did.

If they are "workers" outside of the U.S., say China, then that's up to them if they can invest on their national stock exchange.

Frankly, as a share holder, I'd like for them to continue what they've been doing along with acquiring companies that provide a good fit for Apple's future.

 

[firewood]

Too bad about all those people who sold their AAPL shares when Apple was reported to be doomed (because all their products were lame) in the late '80's... and mid '90's... and after SJ passed away (etc.)

 

[IJ Reilly]

I will say it again... AAPL is still undervalued. It should be trading around 160.

It should be trading for exactly for exactly how much it is trading. This is reality. Anything else is at best a theory.

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Had my doubts buying after the split, but glad I did #

Why did the split have any affect on your investment decision?

 

[pgiguere1]

Just sold today, bought at $343 when Steve Jobs resigned. 2.5x my original investment, not bad

 

[jonblatho]

Apple's stock is up 25% since the iPhone 6 launched. Impressive.

But a product refresh could never move the needle! Apple is forever still doomed.

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Apple's up 68% since Feb.3 last year.

Let's say it goes up only 50% from today's share price; that will put it around $186.35 in a year. Oh, that would be $1,304.45 pre-split. YES!!

I say it can do it.

"Only 50%." Careful, Icarus.

 

[Mtmspa]

Bought at 218, 238 and 290 presplit and 96, post. best investment I ever made.

 

[aristotle]

So is AAPL close to being larger than MSFT and Google combined? It certainly is several times bigger than IBM at this point.

 

[Trapezoid]

Imagine if they weren't doomed!

 

[bawbac]

Last surge before the collapse.
The Apple Watch will start a chain reaction of questionability about Apple products that people will go elsewhere for the same performance & experience at a lower cost.

Just like last time Steve left, it's only a matter of time before Apple kills his legacy.