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How to Buy Apple Stock

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Here's how to buy Apple stock.

Apple Inc. is a technology company that specializes in computer software, electronics, media devices and online services. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in Cupertino, California, the company now offers its products all around the world. In addition, Apple was the first publicly-traded U.S. company to reach a trillion-dollar valuation. Given that consumers worldwide know and trust the company, investors, both new and experienced, are widely interested in buying equity in Apple. Below, we take a closer look at how to become an Apple shareholder. If you want further hands-on guidance with your investing strategy, consider enlisting the help of a trusted financial advisor.

How to Buy Apple Stock With a Brokerage Account

You’ll need to set up a brokerage account in order to purchase Apple shares. Because the company is publicly traded, anyone can invest, so long as they follow the proper steps and are at least 18 or 21, depending on your state of residence.  Some brokerages require a minimum investment amount, so you’ll want to make note of this before making a selection.

After you’ve set up and funded your account, you’ll be ready to place an order. To purchase a share through your brokerage, you’ll need to use Apple’s Nasdaq trading ticker: APPL. Following this, you’ll then have the choice between two different order types: a market or limit order. A market order allows you to purchase a company share at its current price, no matter the cost. But a limit order, however, lets you specify the price at which you’re willing to buy or sell.

Those interested in low-cost investments also have the option of purchasing fractional shares. But what exactly is a fractional share? It’s essentially an incomplete share of the equity. If you’re wondering where to begin, many services, such as Motif Investing, offer fractional share options.

Brokerage Comparison

Brokerage FirmTrading FeesMinimumBest For
Robinhood
Read Review
$0$0– Mobile/online traders
– Self-sufficient investors
Merrill Edge
Read Review
$6.95$0– Bank of America account holders
– Customer support users
TD Ameritrade
Read Review
$6.95$0– Online traders
– Customers who value support

You can also use a brokerage account to invest in a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in Apple. Look for funds that focus on the technology sector or on large-cap stocks. Buying shares in a mutual fund or ETF lets you invest in Apple while also investing in a number of other companies, giving you diversification and protecting your investments against any downturns from a single stock.

How to Buy Apple Stock With a Financial Advisor

how to buy apple stock

If you’re new to investing, or would simply like expert guidance to grow your portfolio, you may want to consider hiring a financial advisor. Though perhaps a more expensive route than consulting a brokerage, financial advisors can help you determine which investment types are most suitable for the growth of your portfolio. In addition, they can offer a holistic approach to transforming your financial situation.

Overview of Apple

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple is a technology company that designs and provides a variety of communication and media devices, including its three main technology products: iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.

The company has also expanded its business on a global level, with products designed, distributed and marketed throughout numerous segments of the world. These include the Americas, Europe, Greater China and Asia Pacific. In addition, Apple sells third-party digital content and applications and offers various other services from which its customers can choose.

Apple Overview

Technology– iPhone
– iPad
– Mac
Operating Systems– iOS
– macOS
– watchOS
– tvOS
Services– Apple Care
– Apple Pay
– iCloud
Digital Content– iTunes
– TV App Store
– Book Store
– App Store
– Mac App Store
– Apple Music
Products and Third-Party Accessories– Apple TV
– Apple Watch
– iPod Touch
– Airpods & Homepod
– Beats products

Apple’s Financial Profile

Apple has proven successful in both its product offerings and performance in its respective industry. In addition to being the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach a trillion-dollar valuation in 2018, the company also maintains strong financials with widespread media recognition. As a reliably successful publicly traded company, Apple also retains the blue-chip status. However, stocks can be volatile, so it’s wise to choose carefully before investing.

But potential investors should also consider other factors before investing. Qualitative and quantitative factors to consider typically include management, risk factors, competition, revenue, assets and expenses. Furthermore, you can normally access such information through a company’s Form 10K. The form functions as an annual report that all public companies must file with the SEC.

Should You Buy Apple Stock?

Whether you should purchase a share of Apple depends largely on your financial goals. With a 52-week high stock price of $233.47 and a low of $142.00, Apple has consistently demonstrated strong financials. However, you’ll also want to accept the risk that comes with every investment. Though Apple has earned blue-chip status, its stocks are nonetheless susceptible to decline. Therefore, when making investments, it’s critical to spend no more than you can afford to lose.

Though Apple stock has demonstrated good return on equity (ROE) figures and consistent financials, it also faces competition from other computer and smartphone manufacturers like HP Inc and Samsung. Competition is one of the many factors that can affect a company’s stock performance. Therefore, you should weigh all options before making a final decision. However, if you’re looking for long-term, potential return, Apple could be right for you.

The Bottom Line

Here's how to buy Apple stock.

You can buy Apple stock through your own brokerage account by simply choosing Apple as your investment and deciding how much to invest. It’s also possible to work with a financial advisor who can manage your investments for you and make that trade possible. Either way works, but the real analysis should be whether Apple stock is a good investment for your portfolio before you decide to move forward.

Tips for Picking a Financial Advisor

  • Working with a financial advisor can help you decide which stocks might be a good fit for your portfolio in order for you to hit your financial goals. Finding the right financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
  • It’s important that you choose a financial advisor who’s most suitable to your long-term financial and investment goals. Whether it’s investment advice you seek, or smarter saving strategies, financial advisors can help meet your specific needs. You may want to consider our list of questions to ask a financial advisor before making a final decision.

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