In the spirit of World Cup competition, we're holding our own tournament in search of the Better Stock Today. We're pitting 32 companies against each other, and you, the reader, will determine the winner.
Apple takes on Annaly Capital for this first round-robin matchup in our search for the better stock today.
Tech analyst Max Macaluso believes that top reasons to be an Apple (AAPL +3.26%) bull come down to the company's growth potential and its foray into some of the tech sector's hottest new markets. While some investors in recent years have questioned Apple's ability to innovate, the company is poised to release a new iPhone and has entered the Internet of Things and wearables spaces with its HomeKit and HealthKit tools. Its dividend, strong balance sheet, and strategy to grow its core business also make this a stock a stock to be enthusiastic about today.
Financials analyst David Hanson believes the No. 1 reason Annaly Capital Management (NLY 0.35%) should win this match is the company's dirt-cheap valuation. Shares of Annaly have rarely been this cheap in the company's very successful history, and management's recent push into the commercial real estate space should allow its portfolio to achieve higher yields without much additional leverage. The ride isn't likely to be smooth, but long-term investors can collect hefty dividends along the way as the company finds better-yielding opportunities.
Vote here to determine the winner of this match and sound off in the comments. Check back to Fool.com to see who advances in the tournament.
