The line graph illustrates the changes in the stock prices of four major technology corporations – Facebook, Google, Apple, and Yahoo – over a six-year period from 2011 to 2016.
Overall, it is clear that Facebook experienced steady growth throughout the period, while Yahoo saw a consistent decline. Apple’s stock price was characterized by extreme volatility, yet it finished higher than it started. Conversely, Google’s stock price remained completely flat and negligible compared to the other three companies.
Looking first at the two most dynamic companies, Apple and Facebook began the period at similar levels in 2011, with stock prices sitting around 5,000 and 7,500 respectively. Apple’s stock then experienced a massive surge, peaking dramatically at nearly 34,000 in 2012, before plunging back down to approximately 6,500 in 2013. Following this, it saw another smaller spike to around 12,000 in 2014, dipped to 3,000 in 2015, and finally recovered slightly to end at 5,000 in 2016. In stark contrast, Facebook’s stock price grew reliably every single year, climbing steadily to overtake all other companies and finish at a peak of just under 20,000 by 2016.
Turning to the remaining companies, Yahoo began 2011 at roughly 7,500, equal to Facebook. However, its value fell progressively over the six-year duration, dropping to just under 2,500 by the final year. Throughout the entire period, Google’s stock price showed no fluctuation whatsoever, remaining virtually at zero from 2011 to 2016.