The recent stock performance of Apple Inc. has left investors disappointed. The last six months saw the tech giant's share fell 22%. The company also suffered a double-digit loss this year. This happened even if S&P 500 rose to 15% during the same period. The loss reflects Apple's underperformance compared to last year's figures.

Apple does not make it a secret that it makes billions of profits from its premium products. Although Apple Inc. has taken steps to engage its shareholders, investors continue to worry because of falling stock prices.

Market analysts say part of the reason why Apple's stocks are falling is the perceived lack of innovative products. Apple's strongest competitor, Samsung, is slowly eating its way into Apple's market share. Samsung's initial success with its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, is widely received in international markets. All eyes are on Apple as investors are hoping for a game-changing product that will be better than any other smartphone, including the iPhone 5.

Rumors have been circulating about Apple planning to launch an iWatch and pave the way for a mass market success of wearable technology. The company does not confirm or deny rumors but Apple CEO Tim Cook sees great opportunities for wearable technology in general.

Another reason for Apple's stock market woes is the current margin issues in key segments. Market analysts have a bearish outlook on the company. This brought down the EPS target for the year down to $39.41 per share. Just 90 days ago, the EPS target for the whole year was $45.19 per share.

For the first time since 2009, Apple's rank is reduced to a Zacks Rank #4. Apple or any other publicly traded company in fact does not want to belong to this category. Shares of stock in this territory have the inclination to underperform based on history. With majority of analysts not seeing Apple's share prices to be going up anytime soon, the stocks could remain stay in the danger zone.

Based on this outlook, it would seem to be a wise decision for investors to start looking elsewhere and give up their Apple shares. However, not all investors share the same perspective. Those who still hold on to their shares can only hope that history will repeat itself.

The last time Apple's shares received the #4 rank, it was the lowest in 2009. Once the company was able to get back on track, Apple's shares rose to the top and doubled in only a year. This could very well happen again this year once Apple reveals its new products hopefully in a few days this June.

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