After three weeks as an also-ran, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) returns as the Dow Jones industrial average’s best-performing stock for the year to date. Even though the company’s shares lost about 0.6% last week, the world’s most valuable company has still managed to post a year-to-date share price gain of 32.5%.
The second-best performer among the Dow index equities so far this year is Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), which is up 31.08%. That is followed by Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA), up 31.05%, then Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE), up 28.1%, and Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), up 27.5%. Of the 30 Dow stocks, 19 have managed either to post a gain or remain unchanged to date in 2018.
The blue-chip index dropped just over 11 points last week to close at 26,447.05, essentially flat compared to the previous Friday’s close. For the year to date, the index is up 6.5%, trailing both the S&P 500 (up 7.0%) and the Nasdaq Composite (up 11.2%).
On Wednesday, Apple shares posted a new 52-week (and all-time) high of $233.47. Then, on Friday, the Apple brand was named the world’s most valuable by brand consultancy Interbrand. The firm estimates Apple’s brand value at $214 billion, an increase of 16% year over year.
Thursday, however, was not such a great day. A report from Bloomberg News revealed that servers and PCs built by Supermicro for Apple, Amazon and nearly every other computer maker contained a stealth chip that allowed unauthorized access to the server or PC and ultimately the entire network of which that machine was a part. Apple and Amazon denied the report.
Apple shares closed Friday at $224.29, down about 1.6% for the day, in a 52-week range of $150.24 to $233.47. The consensus price target is $233.56 and Apple’s forward price-to-earnings ratio is 16.38.
Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
