Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Apple closes first quarter without Jobs at helm

(MarketWatch) -- When Apple Inc. delivers its next earnings report later this month, it will mark a milestone of sorts: the company's first reporting period without Steve Jobs, its co-founder and chief executive.

Day-to-day management is in the hands of Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook, who has overseen several new product introductions but also has to cope with a severe economic downturn that has crimped demand for PCs and other high-tech products.
Apple is scheduled to deliver results for its second fiscal quarter on April 22. Although Jobs remains chief, he went on a medical leave of absence earlier this year that's scheduled to end in June. His health became a matter of concern last year when his appearance at a trade show set off rumors that the cancer he successfully battled in 2004 may have returned.

"They seem to still be focusing on strategy and execution," said Ashok Kumar, who covers Apple for Collins Stewart.
So far, investors seem to have kept their faith in Cook and company. Since Jan. 14, when Jobs announced he would be stepping aside to handle his health issues, Apple's stock has climbed more than 35% to $115 a share -- reaching its highest levels since last September.


Read more at MarketWatch

No comments: