...Apple Inc. is a very successful producer of computer software and hardware that leads in its competitive industry. To evaluate the progress, success, and faults of the company, the SWOT analysis is used. SWOT analysis stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat for a particular organization, which can help in formulating a strategy for its business and can also help in analyzing its internal environment (Strengths & Weakness) and external environment (Opportunities & Threats). First of all, according to the article “Apple Inc. : Services - Company Profile, SWOT & Financial Report”, the author states that strong R&D capabilities and great brand image are the biggest strengths of the company. Apple’s strength relies on focusing Research and Development, “In the last three years, the company invested more than $7,592m in research and development. The R&D team of the company executed several projects to enhance and develop various products and technologies.” (“Apple Inc. : Services - Company Profile, SWOT & Financial Report” 19). R&D helps the company to create innovative products and stand out from its competitors. Apple expenditure trend shows that the money spent for R&D increases year after year. Apple’s return of investment on R&D paid off with innovative products and with company’s revenues. Moreover, Apple’s brand image is highly recognizable and holds brand awareness to the majority of consumers. This solid brand image can increase the sales of the new products compared...
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...Apple Inc. Apple Inc. formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California that creates and retails consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. Apple’s mission and vision summarizes its committed efforts in bringing the best user experience to its customers through its advanced hardware, software, peripherals, and services along with a unique ability to design and develop its own operating system, hardware, application, software, and services, in order to provide its customers new products and solutions with superior case-of-use, seamless integration, an innovative design (“Apple Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report”, 1, 2012). Company’s mission and vision statements against the performance of the organization Apple’s mission and vision statements and objectives are neither interchangeable nor autonomous. Without objectives, the mission and vision statements are impractical. Without the mission and vision statement the objectives have no relevance. Both statements are too broad to be measurable, and the objectives are too definite to provide the big picture. When properly coordinated they strike a balance that helps to shape the business operations and service strategy. Apple Inc.'s mission statement is as follows - Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through innovative hardware, software and...
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...Business Analysis Business Analysis In this paper, an overall business analysis of Apple Inc. will discuss the company’s financial statements, the company’s financial health and how it compare to other companies in the industry and globalization and how it has affected the company’s business strategies. Lastly, a benchmarking analysis will be conducted in the following comparison with other companies in the same industry. Apple Inc. has the talents of Steven Jobs along with other top idealists. Having such talent clearly gives Apple the advantage over other competitors in this industry. The collaborative efforts of the leaders give Apple Inc. a clear strategic advantage. Apple main goal is to stay on top of its competition. In order to accomplish this goal, the employees have to spend long hours determining what the consumer’s want and how to design their products based on that outcome. A good example would be the development of the iPhone. The iPhone was derived from a display of information of the iPod. This included a bigger touch screen that helped in the development of the smart phone. This vision didn’t stop there; Jobs began to think in the future toward concepts of applications for the smart phone. Once it was realized that the iPhone was a personal computer, three years later Apple Inc. introduce the iPhone and its application system. According to (Bajarin, 2011) Apple raises the bar with every new generation of the iPhone. Apple’s new version of the iPad has stood...
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...Investment Report [Portfolio Investment Analysis] Portfolio management is an important factor that determines the performance of the portfolio. To perform well in the portfolio, it is not only essential to develop personal investment strategies, but analyzing current financial trend is also vital. Stock Trak is an online portfolio simulation that allows students to try out different investment strategies, and also get a hand on experience in what the real market trading conditions are. By managing the portfolio, I have acquired some new knowledge of investment strategies and also become more familiar with the current market by following closely to the financial headlines. My portfolio composed of only a few specific stocks of some large information technology companies. The main compositions are Apple Inc., Google Inc., and International Business Machines Corp (IBM). By investing different stocks in the same industry, it comes to my attention that even though they are in the similar category, the life cycles of these stocks are still very different. It is interesting to compare and analyze the different progress of those companies, and also to see how different factors affecting the performance of a specific stock and the portfolio as a whole. [Portfolio Performance Analysis] My overall return is 7.92%, which is about average and is a little over performed comparing to the S&P 500 average of 7.71% during the same period of time. Analyzing the historical data and financial report...
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...Table of Contents Reporting of Financial Statements……………………………………… Assets and Liabilities…………………………………………………….. Income Statement………………………………………………………… Summary of Apple Inc……………………………………………………. An Analysis of the Financial Status of Apple Inc. “Apple's recent success in the marketplace is founded on a philosophy that derives its insights at the intersection of technology and consumer values” (Wingfield, 2007). A prestige young owned company with its very own creative viewpoint to the way things should be done was founded by Apple Inc. in 1976. Apple has created among the most amazing technology mankind has ever known. Their three major products: Mac computers, iPod music player, and the iPhone. Database software, operating systems, and developer tools are all additional offerings Apple Inc. provides to their customers. Apple is a global product which has produced approximately 40% of sales from international operations. Rather than licensing the mac operating system to PC makers, as Microsoft did, apple chose to be the sole producer of its mac hardware, in the 1980's. Financially, Apple has grown into a large organization with profit growth each year. This company has taken its’ toll on how technology should be produced. Their financial status in the year 2010 and moving forward shows their growth in income and sales as well as Apple’s performance overall. This report will discuss Apple Inc.’s financial statements, assets and liabilities towards the company...
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...Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy American Military University BUS620 16 February 2014 Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Abstract 2 Apple Incorporated is an industry leader and this piece will serve to address questions pertaining to Apple’s competition in the Personal Computer (PC), MP3, and smart phone market and how its strategy has evolved along with the evolution of the products. Threats and challenges that Apple faces as is moves forward are also identified. Finally a brief assessment of Apple Incorporated after the exit of Steve Jobs as its Chief Executive Officer and his effectiveness as a strategic manager. Keywords: Personal Computer Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy 3 Apple is extremely competitive in the personal computer (PC) market and has carved out a very specific niche for its brand through an evolution of product development and marketing strategies. The market for personal computing evolved as quickly as technology could be developed and Apple’s approach was to offer the consumer a “plug and play” option, meaning everything needed for desktop publishing and education (from hardware and software to peripherals) were integrated in the Macintosh system and could readily and easily be utilized (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Apple offers a level of exclusivity for its consumers. The cost of an Apple machine is expensive, but the quality is...
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...Economic Analysis of Apple Inc. Introduction 3 Industry analysis 4 Personal computers 4 Computer software 5 iPod and iTunes 5 Company analysis 7 Apple Computers Inc 7 Apple Inc 8 Innovation 9 Profitability 9 Recommendations 11 Personal computing 11 Conclusions 12 References 13 Appendix 14 Introduction The primary purpose of this report is to execute an economic analysis on Apple Inc. We will review the impacts that the competitive market has had on Apple, since it was founded in 1976. This report will detail how Apple Inc. is both a dire example of the adverse effects of monopolistic competition on a company as other companies into the market; as well as an exceptional example the economic rewards yielded by innovation and brand differentiation within a competitive market. An analysis of Apple Inc would be incomplete without reviewing its past and present competitors. Reviewing these competitors will help the reviewer gain insight into comparative advantages held by other companies and the economic impact this has had on Apple Inc. this report will review the industry as a whole in order to understand the impacts of industry level supply and demand upon Apple Inc. The report will briefly examine the impact of market prices and international trade as an aspect of this report. More importantly, it will review specialization is undertaken by Apple Inc and the economic benefits gained by this course of action. Essentially, the economic view of Apple Inc is looking...
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...305: Business Finance Spring 2016 Midterm Paper: Financial Analysis on Apple EXPECTATIONS & EVALUATIONS The objective of this paper is to thoroughly analyze Apple’s financial history and status for the last five years (2003 – 2007). Other important topics will be discussed which include: the company’s background, its assets, bonds, stocks, etc. To support the analysis, different relevant ratios will be calculated for Apple Inc in order to estimate the company’s current status, and also to compare Apple Inc. to the computer industry and one of its major competitors – Dell. The financial analysis of Apple is based on evaluating company and industry data from various sources. A trend analysis was performed using data for the last five years, and presented in Excel charts and tables. Finally, I computed various ratios for Apple, and compared them to industry norms, and to Dell’s. Numerous graphs were created using MS Excel to support the analysis. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY History Apple Computer was formed in April 1976 by 25-year-old Steve Wozniak and 21-yearold Steve Jobs—both college dropouts. After selling a van for some extra start-up cash, the two set up shop in the Jobs’ family garage at 2066 Crist Drive in Los Altos, California, to start building computers. In 1977, Jobs and Markkula hired Michael Scott as the company’s first president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).8 In April of that same year, Apple decided it would be beneficial to their marketing strategies...
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...Financial Analysis Financial Accounting for Managers Dr. Olajide February 13, 2016 This paper will analyze non-financial factors impacting the investment decision of companies in today’s market. The paper will use Apple as the example within the paper. In the process it will look at the annual report from an investor’s standpoint and evaluate the performance of the company and the reasons and the reason for or not investing. Then from an investor’s view it will discuss Three (3) non-financial factors that suggest investing in the company. (Strayer University, 2016). From an investor’s view, review the last annual report for chosen company. Use financial analysis tools of liquidity, profitability, and solvency to evaluate the company’s performance and reasons for investing or not investing. Include the company’s ranking in the industry, and its major competitors. The 2015 annual report for the Apple Corporation shows that the liquidity, working capital that a company can get a hold of and use quickly, (Kimmel, 2013). The liquidity for Apple would work out to be current assets, $290,479 million (-) minus current liabilities, $171,124 Million = $119,355 Million. (Apple Inc, 2015). This amount shows that the company has enough to pay for the liabilities and still have working capital to work with for new products. For the profitability of Apple, here we will work out the net profit margin. Which will be, net profit, $ 53,394 Million (/) divided by Revenue $ 233,715 Million...
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...ECO320-65: CAPSTONE Economic Analysis of Apple Inc Student 2 Cleary University May 14, 2007 ECO320-65: CAPSTONE Economic Analysis of Apple Inc. Introduction 3 Industry analysis 4 Personal computers 4 Computer software 5 iPod and iTunes 5 Company analysis 7 Apple Computers Inc 7 Apple Inc 8 Innovation 9 Profitability 9 Recommendations 11 Personal computing 11 Conclusions 12 References 13 Appendix 14 Introduction The primary purpose of this report is to execute an economic analysis on Apple Inc. We will review the impacts that the competitive market has had on Apple, since it was founded in 1976. This report will detail how Apple Inc. is both a dire example of the adverse effects of monopolistic competition on a company as other companies into the market; as well as an exceptional example the economic rewards yielded by innovation and brand differentiation within a competitive market. An analysis of Apple Inc would be incomplete without reviewing its past and present competitors. Reviewing these competitors will help the reviewer gain insight into comparative advantages held by other companies and the economic impact this has had on Apple Inc. this report will review the industry as a whole in order to understand the impacts of industry level supply and demand upon Apple Inc. The report will briefly examine the impact of market prices and international trade as an aspect of this report. More importantly, it will review specialization...
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...Business Analysis of Apple Inc Apple Computer Company originated on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, dropped out of high school. At the time of forming their partnership, Steve Jobs worked for Atari and Steve Wozniak worked at Hewlett-Packard. Their company initially started in Steve Jobs’ garage. The first computer was the Apple I, followed by Apple II which launched in 1977. By 1980, Apple III was released and they were able to employ several thousand people. Apple or “the company” is engaged in design, development and marketing of personal computers, media devices, and portable digital music players (Research and, M. 6). The company also sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The two master minds behind the Apple branding has lead to $65.23 billion dollars in sales in 2010. The amount of technical devices this company has produced over the years has earned superior creditability in the technology field for stationery and portable devices. Today Apple’s annual review is more than 60 billion, making them the largest technology company in the world. Apple aims to continually invest in research and development for products that best serve the needs of the market. It is very important in the role as a mutual fund manager, to evaluate the business analysis of Apple Inc. before making the decision of whether or not to invest into this company...
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...Executive Summary This paper provides the historical background and financial data of two of the leading information technology (IT) corporations in the United States. Going beyond their humble beginnings to the present, an analysis is made of their current financial performance. This serves to compare and contrast the differing business strategies of the two financial juggernauts. The two companies are direct competitors in the IT market place. Developing cutting edge software that is futuristic and enticing is what Apple does best. Apple has the ability to offer a diverse product line that caters to a wide variety of consumers, especially tech savvy earlier adapters. Dell’s marketing approach is to create a product line that is affordable and easily used by the general computing public. Audit reports, ratios, cash flows and income statements are analyzed to gain a clearer picture of which marketing strategy is proving to be the more successful. Corporate Histories and Strategies: In 1976, high school friends Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak shared a common love and interest in electronics. In their early stages, Apple I & II were designed as a hobby. Apple I was actually created in Steven’s bedroom. “They would showcase the computers at the Homebrew Computer Club (of which they were members) as a demonstration (Apple Museum, 2011)”. The highlights were the video screens, and the fact that it used few chips...
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...A Critical Assessment Of �Apple Inc.� Table of Contents Page A. Company History, Overview of Primary Business Operations, and Its Fortune 500 Ranking 3 B. Assessment of Apple Inc.�s Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals/Objectives 5 C. SWOT Analysis and Assessment of Apple Inc. 7 D. Value Chain Analysis of Apple�s iPhone 10 E. BGC Matrix for the Macintosh Computer and iTunes 12 F. Overview Analysis of Apple Inc. and Investment Recommendation 16 G. References 18 A. Company History, Overview of Primary Business Operations, and Its Fortune 500 Ranking Apple Computer Inc. was founded in April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in order to sell hand built personal computer kits called the Apple I. By today�s standards, Apple I would be considered a motherboard, which was marketed at $666.66 and included the CPU, RAM and basic textual video chips. On April 16, 1977, the Apple II was introduced with color graphics, and the introduction of the five-quarter-inch floppy disk drive. In the late 1970s, the Apple II took off due to its compatibility with the latest spreadsheet program at the time, the VisiCalc. In May 1980, the Apple III was introduced to compete in the market along side IBM and Microsoft.[1] In 1983, Apple successfully introduced the first personal computer with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) called the �Lisa� (Local Integrated Software Architecture)...
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...APPLE INC. Ryan Plumbo ACC 205 Thomas Sutton 7 Dec 14 The decision to invest in a company is an important one. When investing your money into the free market there is never a guarantee on investment. That is why a little bit of research and due diligence is always recommended beforehand. It is the hope that with this knowledge our investment will have a better chance at returning a profit. The company we will be looking at in this report is the tech giant Apple Inc. or to most just known as Apple. Apple Inc. (Apple), incorporated on January 3, 1977, designs, manufactures and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The Company offers a range of mobile communication and media devices, personal computing products, and portable digital music players, as well as a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions and third-party hardware and software products. In addition, the Company offers its own software products, including iOS, the Company's mobile operating system; OS X, the Company's Mac operating system; and server and application software. The Company's primary products include iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, iTunes, Mac App Store, iCloud, Operating System Software, Application Software and Other Application Software. Some of Apple’s biggest competitors...
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...Business Analysis Part I Pamela Lewis Management 521 October 10, 2011 Dr. Melanie Brown Business Analysis Part I The company tasked a mutual fund manager to evaluation Apple Incorporated to determine if this would be a sound investment for the company. The mutual funds manager will conduct a business analysis on Apple Incorporated and present the recommendations to the company. Apple Inc. is a company known for its vibrant line of products and the innovation it brings to those products. A business analysis is the practice of diagnosing the needs of a business and establishing solutions to business dilemmas. This business analysis is simply a collection of information that will aid in deciding if Apple Incorporated has the stability to sustain a profitable portfolio. This analysis will include a SWOTT analysis, an evaluation of the company stakeholders and their needs and wants, and an explanation of how the company is fulfilling those needs. SWOTT Analysis Chart Strengths (Internal) | Weaknesses (Internal) | * Strong brand image provides and edge over competitors * Robust financial performance strengthens investors’ confidence and provides capital for future avenues * Focused Research and Development driving innovation and consolidating its market position | * Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results * Product recalls may harm Apple’s reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses | Opportunities...
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