Five months ago Apple soared high in the sky and posted record stock prices that topped $700 per share. But Apple’s stock has fallen to $443 since then and continues to be on shaky ground as investors worry about the direction of the company after the untimely passing of the firm’s standard bearer, Steve Jobs in 2011.
But on Wednesday Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, tried to calm things down by announcing in a shareholder’s meeting that Apple was addressing their concerns and will be releasing new products.
Don’t worry. Be happy
Cook said Apple was working on some “great stuff” that would help Apple move out of its nosedive. But specifics were not mentioned so it was anyone’s guess as to what the “great stuff” was all about.
Industry buzz thinks that Apple is working on a new smart HDTV, while others believe there will be another round of updates for its iPhone and mini-iPad products.
Why the unrest?
Apple is certainly making money and is flush with cash, but stock market investors are primarily driven by two things: greed and fear.
In Apple’s case both factors have contributed to shareholder angst due to the firm not meeting high expectations for bigger profits and the uncertainty of whether Apple can manufacture new innovative products that will capture the imagination of consumers.
Unrealistic goals?
Apple has long been seen as a pioneering company that brings new cutting edge electronics to the market place. But some wonder if Apple has been unfairly treated by investors and the general public who expect miraculous new products every few years.
Indeed, Apple has done this in the past, but is it feasible to expect such extraordinary performance from the company year after year? Some believe that under Steve Jobs’ leadership, this outlook was considered the norm. But under Cook’s leadership, the course and direction of Apple is still under scrutiny.
In the coming months the “great stuff” that Cook mentioned will be released, and the debate on whether Apple can produce new “wow” products will be much clearer.
No pressure. No pressure at all.
Via ABCNews.co.com
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/article/tim-cook-assures-investors-that-things-will-get-better-at-apple?cid=roadrunner