Mid-Semester Project Progress Report
Student 1 Name: Atahan Candan
Stocks: Apple (AAPL), Tesla (TSLA)
Preliminary Investment Thesis (Stock 1 - Apple): The company maintains long-term investment
strength because of its continuous innovation together with strong brand loyalty and financial
stability. The company produces steady revenue from its hardware products including iPhones
and Macs and iPads alongside its expanding services division which includes the App Store and
iCloud and Apple Music. The company maintains a durable competitive advantage through its
recurring revenue model and customer ecosystem which functions as an “economic moat.”The
fundamental investment approach supports this strategy because companies demonstrating
strong financial health and consistent growth together with high profit margins should deliver
long-term success. Apple delivers value to its shareholders through dividend payments and
stock buybacks while producing free cash flow which makes it an attractive addition to a
diversified investment portfolio.
Preliminary Investment Thesis (Stock 2 - Tesla): As a high-growth company Tesla embodies the
future of clean energy and electric vehicles. Through its aggressive innovation in battery
technology, energy storage and autonomous driving it positions itself as a leader in several
disruptive industries. Tesla is conceptually a growth investing company as it is a company that is
expected to grow faster than the market. It also reflects thematic investing, particularly around
sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals. Due to its stock volatility and
high valuation, Tesla carries more risk, but its long-term potential makes it worth considering for
investors with a higher risk tolerance and belief in transformational technologies.
