Four members of the Magnificent 7 tech giants-Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG)-all hit new 52-week highs on Friday, showcasing their continued market dominance and investor confidence amid a tech-driven bull run.
These record-breaking highs underscore the remarkable growth and resilience of these leading tech stocks. As investors seek the best opportunities among the elite Mag 7, the focus turns to which of these heavyweights offers the most compelling buy.
Apple Stock
Apple's stock surged to a new high of $226.34, surpassing its previous high of $221.55.
Over the past year, Apple has gained 18.30% and is up 17.56% year-to-date. Despite the strong performance, recent analyst ratings from UBS, Needham and Oppenheimer suggest a cautious outlook with an average price target of $220, indicating a potential downside of -3.05%.
However, Apple's stock trading above its 5, 20 and 50-day exponential moving averages suggests strong bullish momentum, indicating continued buying pressure.
Google Stock
Alphabet's stock hit a new high of $190.60, up from $186.09.
The stock has seen a remarkable increase of 56.55% over the past year and is up 36.44% year-to-date. Recent analyst ratings from Loop Capital, Needham and Rosenblatt imply a modest downside of 1.39% with an average price target of $187.
Despite this, the bullish trend, supported by the stock trading above its 5, 20 and 50-day exponential moving averages, suggests continued buying interest in Alphabet.
Meta Platforms Stock
Meta reached a new high of $539.91, surpassing its previous high of $531.49.
The stock has skyrocketed by 83.41% over the past year and 52.53% year-to-date. Analysts from Loop Capital, Keybanc and BMO Capital provide a more conservative outlook with an average price target of $513.33, indicating a potential downside of 5.38%.
Nonetheless, Meta's stock remains in a strong bullish trend, with its price above the 5, 20 and 50-day exponential moving averages, reflecting sustained buying pressure.
Microsoft Stock
Microsoft's stock achieved a new high of $467.56, up from $461.02.
Over the past year, Microsoft has gained 38.27% and is up 24.34% year-to-date. Analyst ratings from Citigroup, Truist Securities and Tigress Financial are notably positive, with an average price target of $556.67, suggesting a significant upside of 19.01%.
The stock's position above the 5, 20 and 50-day exponential moving averages indicates a strong bullish trend and continued investor interest.
Which Is The Better Buy?
All four tech giants have demonstrated strong bullish trends, supported by their positions above key moving averages. However, Microsoft's substantial upside potential based on recent analyst ratings makes it a standout among its peers. While Apple, Alphabet and Meta also show positive momentum, their implied downsides from analyst ratings suggest a more cautious approach.
For investors seeking a combination of robust performance and future growth potential, Microsoft emerges as a compelling choice. However, individual investment decisions should consider personal financial goals and risk tolerance.