Every investor would agree that the stock market is a fantastic asset class for people to build life-changing wealth. Compounding can work its magic, leading to tremendous results.

However, there are specific businesses that have absolutely crushed the market, as defined by the S 500. Just look at tech giant (NASDAQ: AAPL). The iPhone maker has produced a total return for its shareholders of 170,000% ever since it started trading on the public markets in December 1980. That monster gain means a $1,000 investment back then would be worth a jaw-dropping $1.7 million today.

Apple has undoubtedly been one of corporate America's most prominent success stories, so it's worthwhile to look back and try to understand what factors contributed to its rise. Then, we can answer if the consumer discretionary stock is a worthy portfolio addition today.

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Source Fool.com