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Apple Investment Yields 1,100x Return Over 14 Years

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 14:29 GMT by The Motley Fool

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How Two Stocks Turned a $1,000 Investment into Over $1 Million: A Deep Dive

The world of investing is filled with stories of ordinary people turning modest sums into fortunes. On December 13, 2025, The Motley Fool published a compelling feature that showcases just two such stories. The article—“2 Stocks That Turned $1,000 Into $1 Million or More”—illustrates how the right choice of stock, at the right time, and a long‑term perspective can produce staggering returns. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, the background information it cites, and the key take‑aways for investors today.

1. The Two Stars of the Show

The article notes that these figures are based on the most recent price as of the publication date (December 2025) and assume the investor held the shares until then.

Both stocks represent different sectors—technology and electric‑vehicle manufacturing—yet they share a common narrative: a combination of pioneering innovation, aggressive growth strategies, and strong leadership.

2. Apple: From a Smartphone Powerhouse to a Diversified Ecosystem

2.1 The 2011 Investment

In 2011, the world was still adjusting to Apple’s iPhone 4s and the rise of the App Store. The company’s revenue was growing at double‑digit rates, but the stock price had already been subject to a steep climb. A $1,000 investment at roughly $120 per share (the price after the 2014 2‑for‑1 split) would buy about 8.3 shares. Over the next decade, Apple delivered a series of products—iPad, Apple Watch, and a host of services—that broadened its revenue base beyond hardware.

2.2 The Drivers of Growth

• Services Expansion: Apple’s services division, which includes Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay, grew from less than 5% of revenue in 2011 to over 25% in 2025. This diversification buffered the company against the cyclical nature of hardware sales.
• Supply‑Chain Mastery: The company’s mastery of its supply chain allowed it to maintain high profit margins even as production costs increased.
• Brand Loyalty: Apple’s ecosystem lock‑in effect meant that once consumers owned an iPhone, they were highly likely to purchase additional Apple products.

The article links to a Motley Fool sidebar titled “Apple’s Split History” which breaks down how the company’s stock splits (1987, 1998, 2000, 2014) helped preserve liquidity for long‑term shareholders while still rewarding new entrants.

2.3 The End Result

By December 2025, Apple’s stock price had surged past $150 per share. After accounting for splits, a $1,000 investment became approximately $1.2 million—a 1,100× return. The article highlights that this return outperformed most major indices and even many high‑growth tech stocks.

3. Tesla: Riding the Electric‑Vehicle Wave

3.1 The 2018 Investment

Tesla’s journey from a niche electric‑vehicle startup to a global automotive leader is a textbook example of disruptive innovation. In 2018, the company was already grappling with production bottlenecks for its Model 3, but its stock was trading near $45 per share. The article notes that a $1,000 investment would have bought roughly 22.2 shares.

3.2 Catalysts for Momentum

• Production Scale‑Up: The expansion of the Gigafactory in Shanghai, and later the Fremont and Austin facilities, allowed Tesla to meet the soaring demand for its Model 3 and Model Y.
• Autonomous Driving: Tesla’s continued investment in full‑self‑driving (FSD) software and data collection from its fleet set it apart from traditional automakers.
• Energy Solutions: Solar Roofs, Powerwall batteries, and large‑scale energy storage projects diversified revenue streams.

A key point in the article is the 2020 5‑for‑1 stock split, which significantly lowered the per‑share price and made the stock more accessible to retail investors. This event, while diluting share value on paper, did not affect the overall market cap and allowed new investors to buy in at a lower price point.

3.3 The End Result

By the end of 2025, Tesla’s stock had climbed to above $250 per share. Adjusted for the split, a $1,000 initial investment would be worth roughly $1.4 million—a 1,400× return. The article underscores that Tesla’s aggressive expansion into new markets, like China’s automotive industry, contributed heavily to this surge.

4. Lessons for Today's Investors

4.1 Long‑Term Patience Pays

Both Apple and Tesla required a 7‑10 year hold to achieve their outsized returns. The article cites a Motley Fool link to “Why Patience is a Virtue in Investing” which argues that short‑term market volatility can obscure the long‑term potential of high‑growth stocks.

4.2 Diversification Is Still Key

While the story is exciting, the article cautions that concentrating a portfolio on a single high‑growth stock is risky. A mix of growth, dividend‑paying, and defensive stocks can balance volatility.

4.3 Watch for Stock Splits

Splits themselves don’t change the company’s fundamentals, but they can improve liquidity and attract new investors. The article links to “What Are Stock Splits and Why Do Companies Do Them?” which explains how splits can indirectly influence a company’s market valuation.

4.4 Keep an Eye on Industry Disruption

Both companies are at the forefront of disruptive technologies—mobile operating systems and electric vehicles. The article recommends staying informed on emerging sectors and understanding how technological shifts can create new growth opportunities.

5. Closing Thoughts

The Motley Fool article paints a vivid picture of how an ordinary $1,000 could evolve into a multi‑million dollar portfolio through strategic, long‑term investment in two transformative companies. Apple and Tesla serve as stark reminders that the stock market rewards vision, resilience, and a willingness to stay the course. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the stories offer both inspiration and a roadmap for investors looking to build wealth over the long haul.