Apple received another price target increase on Monday morning – here’s what it means for mutual fund investors.
Inside the Upgrade
On Monday morning, Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry reported that he has boosted his price target on Apple from $130 to $142, suggesting a 30% upside to the stock’s current price. In addition to lifting the company’s price target, the analyst also reported that the iWatch could be the most successful product in Apple’s history.
The analyst noted that the average smartphone owner takes their phone out of their pocket 110 times per day; with the watch, users would not have to do this.
Yet Another Analyst Upgrade
Over the last few months, Apple has seen numerous upgrades and price target increases. We believe that this new price target is ambitious for Apple considering that most of the excitement over new products may already be priced in.
It is also difficult to say that the iWatch will be the most successful Apple product since the concept has not yet been proven. Watches have been a successful fashion accessory, but smart watches have not yet been a proven success.
Mutual Funds to Watch
Investors seeking exposure to Apple may consider a mutual fund investment. The funds below currently hold the highest stakes in the company.
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| VTSMX | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index | 1.69% |
| VFINX | Vanguard 500 Index | 1.08% |
| VIGRX | Vanguard Growth Index | 0.51% |
The Bottom Line
By investing in one of the funds above, investors are able to gain exposure to a wide range of holdings and industries. Investors interested in Apple may also be interested in Google (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT).
Shares of Apple are up 38% YTD.