As a full-time college student I’ve learned that when there’s a project on the agenda, or when class work must be completed, having access to certain tools and resources can make the entire process significantly easier. For example, the internet, in particular, is especially valuable.
Accessible through a desktop computer system, or a portable laptop or tablet, it could, for today’s scholar, be considered nearly indispensable as it permits users to find needed information with ease and speed.
Yet, while few would disagree that computers are necessary for the modern student, there is one point which could cause considerable debate – which computer brand is best?
Currently, there are multiple brands for consumers to choose from including Dell, HP, Samsung, and Apple. Personally, I’ve owned products offered by both Dell and Apple. As such, I’m intimately familiar with the pros and cons of each. Further, I have, too, determined which is, from the perspective of a student, better suited for course work.
Ultimately, I believe the Apple MacBook, which has served as my primary laptop, is the standout choice. I’ve found that, notably, it syncs effortlessly and smoothly without other Apple products. For instance, by using the cloud, I can easily browse through documents which I have created on my laptop when I was using either my iPhone or iPad. Additionally, the internet is, at all times, readily at my fingertips on each of these products.
Given my positive experience with this brand, I am electing to focus my analysis on Apple, the multinational corporation, headquartered in Cupertino, California, which trades on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol AAPL.
Of course, not everyone heartedly embraces this company. Many do not share my enthusiasm and there is therefore some competition with which to contend. Samsung is, perhaps, the fiercest rival. In fact, according to Vanity Fair magazine, “for three years Apple and Samsung have clashed on a scale almost unprecedented in business history.” (Vanityfair.com)
These two companies are both well established in the marketplace and well known. Interestingly, they have, in recent history, done battle in the smart phone arena. Each has, for instance, accused the other of stealing ideas. And, too, they’ve both been charged with conspicuously ignoring patents.
But smart phone products are merely one part of a larger business for each of these tech giants. The two also produce desktop computers, tablets, monitors, and other similar items. And with technology changing at what is essentially a break neck pace, the potential for exponential growth, going forward, is impressive.
In terms of fostering development and increase, AAPL has, in reality, embraced the trend of integration. In other words, in order to grow itself, Apple has been focused on aligning itself with and purchasing other highly advanced companies. The Wall Street Journal, at one point, offered details of one such scenario, informing readers that “Apple buys beats for $3 Billion to bolster a music business that has lost some of its mojo.” (WallStreetJournal.com).
An additional prominent partnering occurred when Apple joined forces with GT ADVANCED TECHS. This benefited Apple in that it gave the brand the capability to change out their glass screens for ones produced with sapphire glass, an alternative known to be more resistant to damage.
Overall, by either merging with or buying out other firms, Apple has been able to marry its own ideas with the latest and greatest creations on the market. It’s a process which has resulted in an increasingly powerful brand. Apple has become, in essence, a tech-centric company which few can rival.
Ultimately, this tactic not only benefits Apple, but it likewise results in keeping consumer interest consistently piqued. Many are left to wonder what this innovative brand will do next. And by thus having a devoted, attentive following, Apple has become an investors dream.
When it comes to AAPL stock, there are a number of positive points a savvy investor ought to consider. Investor Place points to three factors worth noting when it comes to the brand: Apple’s “valuation, technological prowess, and cash hoard.”
An especially attractive feature, too, is the fact that “Apple stock is priced significantly lower than its competitors at a forward price to earnings ratio 12.5, which is fairly low especially when you compare it to Google’s 22 and Facebook’s nearly 50 figure.” (Investor Place)
Because of its low cost, AAPL will, resultantly, have a low dividend yield. In fact, “statistics show that AAPL has a strong 2.35% Dividend Yield.” (Forbes) This lets investors know that Apple has some tricks up their sleeves and can well afford the dividend payouts since they’re anticipating high income in future.
Another positive point which investors should really pay attention to is the company’s overall talent.
Pioneering new products are always being added to the lineup. Even classic items such as the iPad and iPod undergo regular updates and are freshly reinvented. Then, as if that’s not enough, more new stuff seems to always be on the horizon. For example, Apple is rumored to now be working on multiple ground breaking projects: they’re said to be attempting to make their famed “retina” display available for televisions, and they’re also hoping to make available an exclusive home streaming application for smart devices which will undoubtedly give Netflix a run for its money.
But Apple, besides being home to clever advancements, is extremely discrete when it comes to releasing details of potential products. And this is understandable as they’re in such a competitive marketplace.
Yet, in spite of keeping quiet about what it hopes to one day introduce, consumers aren’t always left completely in the dark. Apple fans can, for example, anticipate revised editions of the popular iPhone every year. The iPhone 6 was the latest to appear in retail outlets. And upcoming, some experts predict a larger phone will be introduced. It will, they suggest, be in response to the Samsung Note 3 and brand fanatics are naturally intrigued and excited.
Finally, another reason individuals might want to think about investing in Apple involves the amount of cash the brand has on hand. Investor Place reveals that “Apple has $160 billion in cash and investments that has been gathering dust for quite a while.” (Investor Place) This gives Apple significant power. It can easily position itself as a dominant force in the marketplace. And it can readily buy other companies, choose to invest, or even create new, inventive items consumers are sure to clamor for.
However, in spite of these sorts of favorable points, there’s always a downside to investing in a given company.
With Apple, paranoia is one such negative factor.
As noted above, the brand is exceptionally secretive at times. So while they announced their purchase of Beats, and admitted to merging with GTS, they have not stated what they plan to do with either company. Investors are often left to rely on rumors and hearsay as no definitive data has been made available.
And guessing, these investors are likely to attest, is not ideal when it comes to making important financial decisions.
Still, I stand by Apple and believe it’s a company worth investing in. As compared to other stocks, it is, I feel, still relatively low risk thanks to its price to earnings ratio, as well as its dividend yield.
If I were investing, or if I were coaching another potential investor, Apple would receive my highest recommendation.
That said, I would advise that this isn’t the type of stock you track daily or trade casually. I would instead suggest that this is a stock you buy into with a mind on the long term.
As with all stock, you just never know what the eventual outcome will be. But Apple stock seems to continually rise. And this is what truly matters.
In the end, I would, from there, recommend investors exercise their options from within so as to gain insurance on their stock position.

WallStreet Journal
Investor Place
Forbes
VanityFair