1944 – Johnson & Johnson: $1,000 invested then is worth $7.5 million (£5.1) + dividends today
Johnson & Johnson's initial public offering (IPO) was way back in 1944. Back then, a single share would have set you back $37.50, so $1,000 would have snapped up 26.67 shares. You'd have been wise to splash the cash as today your holding would comprise 66,675 shares worth $7.5 million (£5.1m) or in the tens of millions if you'd reinvested the dividends.