#10 - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) - Can there really be a list of slow and steady stocks to own in any market that doesn't include Apple? Apple is currently the world's most valuable company by market cap, and it has been the "apple of Warren Buffett's eye" for many years – even though he doesn't personally own any of their products. Their iconic iPhone's have a global market share of 11% and the company keeps launching new versions with a consumer market that shows no signs of being saturated. In fact, the iPhone represented 60% of the company's sales in 2017. And Apple figures to be a major player for years to come as it commits approximately 5% of its revenues to research and development so that they will be positioned to be an innovator in the mobile space. While it's true that Apple benefits from their iOS operating system that has created a product ecosystem, the fact that they continue to generate customer loyalty is very impressive. Apple has only started issuing dividends in the last 10 years, but they have shown a commitment to growing their dividends. Currently, they are increasing their dividends by around 10% annually.
About Apple
Apple Inc designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide. The company offers iPhone, a line of smartphones; Mac, a line of personal computers; iPad, a line of multi-purpose tablets; and wearables, home, and accessories comprising AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, and HomePod.
Read More - Current Price
- $212.49
- Consensus Rating
- Moderate Buy
- Ratings Breakdown
- 23 Buy Ratings, 11 Hold Ratings, 1 Sell Ratings.
- Consensus Price Target
- $207.47 (2.4% Downside)
Whether you believe the bull has room to run or the bear is beating at the door, it’s always a good idea to include a mix of “slow and steady” stocks in your portfolio. These are the stocks that will generate a consistent return for you as well as provide some added equity through dividends. However, the idea that the only way to get slow, steady growth is through a utility stock or a tried-and-true blue chip company is no longer the case. With companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Starbucks moving into this space, there’s room for investors to look at a variety of sectors. All of the companies on this list have a documented history of paying out increasingly high dividends year over year. Many of the companies have achieved the status of dividend aristocrat, meaning they have increased their dividend for over 25 years. Slow and steady stocks should make up only a portion of an investor’s portfolio.
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