Wall Street analysts don't always make the right call on which companies deserve a Buy rating—just take a look at a massively popular name like Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), which has divided analysts sharply based on 20 Buy ratings and 13 Sell or Hold ratings. Remember that many of those predictions will be wrong, no matter whether or not AAPL shares continue to appreciate in the near term.
However, retail investors have good reason to lean on professional analysts for their industry expertise and broad market knowledge.
