10 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy

3. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 166

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s dominant market position in the smartphone market arises from its control over the ecosystem, restrictions on competition, and higher switching costs. Its market standing is expected to continue to be aided by several factors, including innovative products, seamless ecosystem, brand loyalty, and strong distribution network. Analyst Brian White from Monness maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock, providing a price objective of $245.00. This rating is backed by a combination of factors such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s recent financial performance and strategic initiatives. The company’s March quarter business performance fueled EPS growth of 8% and $24 billion in operating cash flow.

The analyst highlighted that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been actively working to optimize its supply chain by shifting production outside of China. This is a strategic move amidst the trade tensions. Despite uncertainties associated with geopolitical risks and regulatory headwinds, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s innovation in products and services, together with its healthy financial position, supports the analyst’s rating. As of March 29, 2025, the company’s cash and cash equivalents came in at $28.1 billion, and the company has also authorized an additional program to repurchase up to $100 billion of its common stock.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments, an investment management company, released its Q4 2024 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:

“The fund maintained a position in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) throughout the quarter through the release of the company’s new iPhone 16 in September. Company leaders were excited about the release of the new model, as this is the first model that will feature enhanced AI capabilities through the Apple Intelligence features. Sales for the first few weeks in October and November trailed behind year over year sales from the iPhone 15, as availability of Apple Intelligence was not compatible with all iPhone models. Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI that has allowed the integration of ChatGPT into the Apple ecosystem, separate from the core Apple Intelligence features. This partnership highlights continued progress from Apple to introduce AI capabilities into its products and we expect the iPhone 17 to have even more expansive AI capabilities, increasing potential demand for the new model that is on track to be released in 2025.”