$1,000 invested in Apple stock at the start of 2025 returned

Core Viewpoint - Apple has demonstrated resilience in its stock performance throughout 2025, achieving a year-to-date gain of 12.1% despite market volatility [1][4]. Stock Performance - Apple's stock closed at $273.40 on December 29, 2025, up from approximately $243.85 at the beginning of the year [1]. - An investment of $1,000 at the start of 2025 would now be worth about $1,121, reflecting a gain of approximately $121 [3]. Market Dynamics - The stock experienced a dip below $200 during a market pullback in Q1 but gradually recovered, with significant gains in the second half of the year [4]. - By November, AAPL shares reached new highs above $280 before slightly consolidating at year-end, indicating strong investor demand for Apple's defensive characteristics [5]. Revenue and Growth Drivers - Apple's performance has been supported by growth in its high-margin services segment and ongoing share repurchases, which have stabilized earnings and investor sentiment [6]. - Despite mixed hardware demand, recurring revenue from subscriptions, payments, and digital services has been crucial for maintaining performance [6]. Capital Return Strategy - The company has maintained an aggressive capital return strategy, which serves as a long-term benefit for shareholders, especially during uncertain market conditions [7]. Analyst Outlook - Analysts view Apple as a core long-term holding heading into 2026, with expectations for moderate growth compared to AI-centric stocks [8]. - Apple's pricing power, brand strength, and ecosystem lock-in continue to attract institutional capital, positioning it as a defensive anchor within technology portfolios [9].