The company will replace telecom giant AT & T on the list with the switch taking effect after trading closes on Wednesday , March 18 . There are only 30 companies listed on the Dow Jones - a price-weighted average of the biggest stocks . Comment: However , following Apple 's stock split last year , this is no longer a problem .
The company will replace telecom giant AT & T on the list with the switch taking effect after trading closes on Wednesday , March 18 . There are only 30 companies listed on the Dow Jones - a price-weighted average of the biggest stocks . For a long time Apple was excluded from the pile because its stock price was too high and there was worry it would distort the balance . However , following Apple 's stock split last year , this is no longer a problem .