(05-01-2011, 11:50 AM)Satchmo Wrote: Problem with Apple is, it's success seems to stem from and hinges on Steve Jobs. Same thing with the God of investment in Berkshire. Hard to say what will happen when they pass on. Doubt there will be successors as capable.
This is probably a little "unfounded". Think about 2 years back Steve Jobs was diagnosed with cancer. Share price did not take a big hit. Great products continued to roll out.
Even during the years when Steve Jobs was ousted, the CEO implemented Steve Jobs ideas and plans and Apple enjoyed success as well. He himself admitted it in an interview.
This goes to show the importance of the strategic vision that a company has. A company that has no strategic view and vision would unlikely become great. Apple do not plan for 1 or 2 product cycle. It plans long than that.
Nonetheless, Steve Jobs' presence and credit for Apple today cannot be denied.
(05-01-2011, 11:55 AM)Musicwhiz Wrote: Hi bb88,
I agree with you that Apple is well-managed, with wonderful products and also good PR. It's probably a very good company to own - before it became so ultra-famous!
That said, I still can't convince myself to part with $500-$600 for an iPhone or more for an iPad. Maybe it's just the miser in me......haha
In my entire life I have owned:
1. Sony CDMA phone that I paid $300 for trial.
2. Nokia $0 phone that was given by telco as the CDMA spectrum was revoked by IDA
3. Sony GBP$50
4. SE $48 (sold for $70 after 2 years)
5. SE $388 (loved the design of the phone and waited 1yr for its release)
6. SE $98
Given my miserly history, I am prepared likely to spend $3xx for IP5 (since white IP4 is a goner).
(05-01-2011, 12:23 PM)egghead Wrote: Just had a glance at Apple's balance sheet. It is sitting on $11 billion of cash and debt free. Wow!
Have you seen their sales trend? Revenue? Profit? When I looked at their AR 1yr back I must say it's looking very good.
The problem now is how does Apple intend to use the cash? They do not return as dividends. There business is not really capital intensive. They are not in the habit of buying other businesses. Hmm...
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