If you bought Apple stock at its initial public offering (IPO) and have held onto it since then, you have seen significant gains in the value of your investment. Here's a breakdown of Apple's market capitalization over the years:
- Initial Public Offering (IPO): Apple went public in December 1980, with a public offering of 4.6 million shares at $22 per share12. This would have given you the right to purchase shares in the company at that price.
- Early Growth: Apple's market capitalization grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s. By the late 1980s, Apple was a household name after the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. The company's market cap peaked at around $10 billion in the late 1990s1.
- Tech Boom: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Apple continued to grow, capitalizing on the tech boom. By 2006, Apple's market cap had expanded to about $70 billion1.
- iPhone Launch: The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 was a game-changer for Apple, and the company's market cap grew significantly in the following years. By 2012, Apple's market cap had reached $400 billion, and it continued to grow to $600 billion by April of that year1.
- Trillion-Dollar Club: In 2018, Apple became the first publicly traded company to reach a trillion-dollar market capitalization. As of the latest data, Apple's market cap stands at $3.36 trillion as of September 202434.
Given your long-term investment horizon and the significant growth in Apple's market value, it's likely that your investment has seen substantial returns. However, it's important to note that past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions can be unpredictable. It's always a good idea to stay informed about the company's performance and market trends to make informed investment decisions.