What Are MAANG Stocks?

Anyone who has knowledge of what FAANG is about apparently has the knowledge of what MAANG entails as well. This is because MAANG is not a new stock nor a new development but a rebranded name for the FAANG stocks.

Just like FAANG that was coined from the first letters of five popular and highly traded tech companies in the stock market, MAANG is also coined from the same group of companies. The change in the first letter resulted from a change in the name of the company it represents. More details about this will be revealed to us as we dive further.

In 2017, FAANG was established as a notable group of tech companies, consisting of Facebook Inc, Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX), and Google LLC (NASDAQ: GOOGL). Few years after this, Facebook underwent a name change due to regulatory pressures and was rebranded as Meta Platforms Inc (NYSE: META).

This alteration in Facebook’s name consequently had an impact on the renowned tech collection known as FAANG. Since the “F” in FAANG represented Facebook, it needed to be replaced with “M” to represent Meta. Therefore, FAANG was rebranded as MAANG. However, the change in name has barely impacted the performance of the stocks as the group has continued to outperform other groups of stocks in the market till the time of writing. Thus, it has been observed that technology enthusiasts engage in speculation about the stock prices of MAANG companies due to their evident market dominance and frequent acquisitions.

From Facebook to Meta Platforms

Following a buzz around the new concept of metaverse in late 2021, Facebook underwent a transformative rebranding process, emerging as Meta and heralding a new era in the world of social media and virtual reality (VR). The rebranding aimed to reflect the company’s expansion into diverse technological realms and solidify its commitment to building the metaverse.

Formerly known as Facebook, the social media giant unveiled its new identity as Meta in October 2021. The rebranding was propelled by the company’s desire to extend beyond its traditional social media offerings, branching into virtual reality, augmented reality, and other futuristic technologies.

At the time, Mark Zuckerberg, the visionary founder of Meta, emphasized that the name change represented a shift in focus from a singular platform to a parent company overseeing a range of products and ventures. Meta’s aim was to create an immersive metaverse – an interconnected virtual world where people could work, play, and interact in unprecedented ways.

Also, it is important to note that the decision to rebrand was attributed to regulatory scrutiny as it came amidst a backdrop of controversies and criticism leveled against Facebook. Concerns over user safety, privacy breaches, and allegations of prioritizing profits sparked intense public scrutiny. In response, Meta sought to redefine its purpose and chart a course towards a more inclusive and visionary future.

The metaverse, a term derived from the Greek word meaning “beyond,” captured Meta’s vision of a revolutionary online environment that transcended the limitations of traditional internet experiences. Users would be able to immerse themselves in this virtual realm using advanced headsets, seamlessly connecting various digital spaces and enabling a wide range of activities and interactions.

The company’s metamorphosis into a metaverse pioneer promised to revolutionize not only the realm of social media but also numerous other aspects of daily life. The metaverse concept encompassed virtual workplaces, entertainment, socializing, and even attending virtual concerts or events, presenting a myriad of possibilities for individuals seeking new ways to engage with the digital world.

With the rebrand, Meta aimed to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation and recapture the attention of younger consumers who had shown a waning interest in Facebook itself. By combining virtual and augmented reality technologies, Meta intended to create a holistic online world where its subsidiaries such as Instagram and WhatsApp would seamlessly coexist.

What Are MAANG Stocks?

The acronym MAANG (formerly FAANG) has emerged as a symbol of innovation and market dominance. Coined by Jim Cramer, the renowned television host of CNBC’s Mad Money, MAANG represents the most influential tech giants in the stock market.

Originally, there was an acronym FANG. Introduced back in 2013, it encompassed four tech companies: Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. However, in 2017, Apple joined the ranks, transforming FANG into FAANG. The subsequent rebranding of Facebook to Meta marked a pivotal moment, leading to the birth of MAANG.

The prominence of MAANG stocks cannot be overemphasized as they are globally recognised and trade on the renowned S&P 500 index, one of the largest and most significant indices in the US stock market. Accounting for approximately 1% of the index, MAANG stocks hold substantial weight in a landscape characterized by diverse industries and market leaders. Each company within the MAANG framework has left an indelible mark on the tech industry, driving revolutionary changes and capturing the attention of consumers worldwide.

Meta stands at the forefront of social media and virtual reality, spearheading the development of the metaverse, a virtual world that transcends conventional boundaries and offers new realms of possibility.

Amazon has redefined e-commerce, revolutionizing the way people shop and bringing convenience to their fingertips. With its expansive product offerings, cloud computing services, and foray into entertainment, Amazon has apparently reshaped the retail and tech landscapes.

Apple, a global pioneer in consumer electronics, has set new standards for design, functionality, and user experience. With its innovative range of products, including iPhones, MacBooks, and the Apple Watch, Apple was able to solidify its position as a leader in the tech industry.

Next, Netflix is recognised as the undisputed king of streaming that has transformed the entertainment landscape with its revolutionary product changing how audiences consume content. Through its vast library of movies, series, and original productions, Netflix has disrupted traditional broadcasting models.

Lastly, Google remains a technology giant, with its search engine being the go-to tool for millions worldwide. Google’s diverse portfolio encompasses advertising, cloud services, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles.

Notably, the popularity of MAANG stocks stems from their relentless pursuit of technological advancements, their ability to anticipate customer needs, and their dedication to shaping the future of technology. Investors and consumers alike are captivated by their transformative capabilities, with MAANG stocks becoming synonymous with innovation, growth, and market leadership.

MAANG Stocks In 2023

The MAANG stocks are holding positions in both the S&P 500 and Fortune 500, a testament to their market prominence. Over the years, these stocks have consistently outperformed the broader S&P 500 index, delivering impressive returns to their investors.

Given the massive size and regional representation of the S&P 500, any fluctuations in the prices of the MAANG stocks can exert a profound influence on the overall market. As of July 2023, the combined market capitalization of the MAANG stocks stands at approximately $6.96 trillion, showcasing their immense impact on the tech industry.

Although there has been a slight decrease from the impressive $7.416 trillion market capitalization they held when officially trading as MAANG in 2021, these tech giants continue to dominate the market, remaining at the forefront of innovation and driving the tech industry forward. Fascinated by the consistent and unique innovations, investors have retained their unwavering stance on the stocks.

Why Microsoft Is Not a Part of MAANG?

Companies included in the MAANG group are known for their flashy product announcements, futuristic visions, and consumer-focused innovations, which contribute to their image. Hence, it might come as a surprise that Microsoft Corporation (NYSE: MSFT) is not included in this exclusive group despite being one of the leading tech companies in the industry with a larger market capitalization than some of the MAANG companies.

Tech experts suggest that Microsoft is quite distinguished from the MAANG group of stocks because it is perceived as not being “cool” like the MAANG companies. Microsoft is viewed as a more serious and traditional organization, and “old tech” that focuses on enterprise solutions and business customers.

It is important to note that Microsoft is also thriving and vibrant. Microsoft’s enterprise solutions, such as Dynamics 365 and Power Platforms, have proven to be reliable and competitive. The enterprise tech market, including low-code application platforms, is growing rapidly, and Microsoft is a major player in this space.

Conclusion

Apparently, MAANG stocks hold significant weight in the market, given the impressive reputation of the companies they represent. The impact of these firms is so profound that fluctuations in their stock prices often mirror the overall performance of the entire stock market.

Despite facing data privacy and regulatory challenges, these companies retain their influence in the stock market due to the innovative products and technologies they develop, driving their continuous growth. As new technologies emerge, the MAANG companies are poised to lead their respective industries.