Apple Computers in the Current Economic Climate: Assessment and Projections Based on Economic Indicators
Introduction Apple Computers is a well-established and highly profitable company that has several leading technology- and computer-based products on the market, and that retains a highly loyal consumer base in its niche personal computing market (Yahoo Finance, 2012; Hoovers, 2012). Though the company faltered for some time in its history, it has again reached the pinnacle of innovation and progress in the computing and technology industries, and its product rollouts constitute some of the most anticipated and avidly watched events each year by early adopters and investors alike (Yahoo Finance, 2012; Hoovers, 2012). Despite the recent passing of Steve Jobs, one of the company's founders and the company's CEO and public face during the company's resurgence over the past decade-and-a-half, most projections for the company are optimistic in both the short and long terms (Yahoo Finance, 2012). This does not mean that Apple doesn't need to pay attention to the overall economic environment in which it is operating, however. Though the company is likely to remain profitable in all but the most extreme economic downturns provided it continues to provide products of the quality and innovative standards that consumers are used to, in order to maximize revenues Apple will need to alter its operations and capital structure and so take advantage of opportunities and minimize
This paper introduces six economic indicators that affect Apple Inc. and how they form part of the firm strategic plans and goals for the future of the firm. A definition this paper provides a definition of each economic indicator along with an explanation of how they affect the company’s domestic operations. In addition, the paper offers suggestions as of what the strategic response for each indicator should be.
One of the major challenges facing Apple was to get the appropriate replacement of the company’s visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steve Jobs who died on October 2011. The CEO was responsible for turning Apple into what it is today. Apple is in this case challenged to purse the strategies employed by Steve, that propelled the company to new heights, and which saw the company become a
Apple is an American multinational corporation which designs, manufactures and markets a range of consumer electronics and software products (Apple Inc., 2008). At the end of last fiscal year, Apple’s worldwide annual sales amounted to $32.5 billion, an increase of 35% from 2007 (Apple Inc., 2008). Not surprisingly then, was Apple voted America’s most admired company, also topping the global survey (Fortune,
Since 1976 Apple’s innovation has helped the company become a market leader in computer and mobile electronics. Through this time the company has faced a number of challenges either it be an internal power struggles or criticism from the media for certain aspects of their business model. This report covers five different issues that the company is facing or may face in the future.
Apple is a global company represented in many parts of the world, but born in the United States by computer wizards by the names of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak who founded the company back in 1976 (Capon, 2008). The organization deals with the design and sale of computer hardware, software and offers tech support to its customers. Examples of the hardware the company manufactures and sells include mobile phones, personal computers, iPads, tablets and iTunes with associated brands, like the MacBook and iPhones that represent Apple’s driving force towards its success. It is recognized as a brand leader in consumer electronics by the world in terms of quality and customer satisfaction and despite the wide product range, Apple manages each product in a distinct way that is a single business unit (Mittan, 2010).
Apple was established as an IT company dealing in exclusively in computers. However, competition in the technology sector forced the firm to focus on other consumer products. The diversification strategy has seen Apple’s sales grow tremendously in the last decade, earning the firm the No. 1 brand position at Forbes. The Apple brand is recognized on an international scale and enjoys a strong recognition thanks to its aggressiveness when it comes to creativity and innovation (Tar, 2013). It has a large number of loyal customers who would purchase the new products regardless of the market price, which guarantees profits from the new division.
There is a point in ones life where they are confronted with the arduous task of deciding what computer is best for them, this decision process is usually decided on a few factors which are price, reliability, security, storage space and of course the computers speed. In today’s economy buying a machine of value that works is hard to come by but one company has it figured out; it is time to invest in Apple computer. Apple is a company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, and Ron Wayne in the hopes of making the PC personal again. The Apple revolution began in 1984 when Macintosh was introduced.
I learned that Apple is a juggernaut when it comes to their technological products and marketing goals. Apple focuses on the needs of customer’s light years ahead of their competition and even before most consumers have realized they want Apple’s products. Through their innovative marketing involving social media, word of mouth, Apple Stores they have convinced consumers about the high value of their product even lending to the formation of a “Mac cult” for its diehard fans. The way ahead for Apple is not to lose sight of its brand loyalty and continue to service the customers and entice them with the brand’s prestige. Even with the death of Steve Jobs, I believe Apple forge ahead to differentiate itself from the markets they are in.
Due to the premium pricing strategy that the company has chosen, recessions, and inflation will have a negative impact on Apple’s revenues. Also because of the fact that the company has a huge amount of cash assets the company is affected by the increasing inflation rate in the United States. Moreover, because the company operates on a global scale, the fluctuation in foreign exchange rate will have a direct effect on the business. Changes in prices of materials and resources, human power and taxation rates are economic factors that could affect the business. Legal issues with economic impact can lead to revenue loss and decrease market shares of the company. However with stable economies in USA and other developed countries, the company is
Jeffrey Young and William Simon provide new perspectives on the legendary creation of Apple, detail Jobs’s meteoric rise, and the devastating plunge that left him not only out of Apple, but out of the computer-making business entirely.The authors examine the takeover and Jobs’s reinvention of the company with the popular iMac and his transformation of the industry with the revolutionary iPod. iCon is must reading for anyone who wants to understand how the modern digital age has been formed, shaped, and refined by the most influential figure of the
We chose to research Apple Incorporated, one of the most innovative companies of our generation. It is safe to say that nearly every one in the US and many foreign countries have used or at least heard of Apple products. We will be looking at the macroeconomic variables that impact Apple’s business as well as how the current developments in the industry have impacted Apple’s financials and we will also look at how Apple competes with other firms in the same industry.
Imagine a world without Apple, without iPods, without Macs; in the world we live in today that seems almost impossible, but Apple did not get to where it stands today overnight, the company has had its share of troubles. Apple Computers was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne; together they donned the generation of affordable personal computers and was the first step in the advancement of the major corporation known today as Apple Inc. Apple Inc. has become a major competitor in sales despite being close to bankrupt many times because of their technological advancement, knowledge of the consumer, and the development of a strong user interface. Throughout the course of Apple’s struggle the corporation has remained persistent in the advancement of technology as we know it today.
Apple Computer Inc., back from near oblivion, is setting the pace in the digital world with innovation and creativity that has been missing from the company for the past
Established in 1976, Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II and the Macintosh. Today, Apple designs, manufactures and markets personal computers, portable digital music players and mobile communication devices as well as related software, services, peripherals and network solutions. Apple sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales forces and third party distributors to its core customers—consumers,
was renamed Apple Inc. on January 9, 2007, to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer