Introduction
Apple Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of modern technology. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, share and interpret data, and for many of us spend a majority of our personal time. Over the years, this company has become a trailblazer for electronics, starting with the foundation for which this company is built upon, the basic computer. Through this soon to be antiquated piece of equipment, two ambitious young men were able to take transform it into a powerhouse that would inspire others to improve the way we live, work, and play. Through this research, this writer, hopes to gain insight into the success of this business and learn from its current pitfalls.
Business Summary
Apple was officially incorporated in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, two friends who were less than successful as young adults, but their high ambition would prove soon to earn them their fame and billion dollar conglomerate (“The apple revolution,” 2014). Apple I was soon introduced as a basic model with “assembly required” instructions, its successor the Apple II arriving three short years later but much more advanced including colored graphics and a plastic casing (PBS.org, n.d.). As the company expanded, advanced products such as the Macintosh and Power Mac were introduced. However, as Apple grew, so did the competition and the need for new ideas and new products were evident as the company took a huge financial downfall in the late 1990’s (PBS.org, n.d.). Thus, the ipod was born forever changing the music industry.
Apple headquarters is located in Cupertino, California. “As of September 28, 2013, the Company had approximately 80,300 full-time equivalent employees and an additional 4,100 full-time equivalent temporary employees and contractors. Approximately 42,800 of the total full-time equivalent employees worked in the Company’s Retail segment” (UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [SEC], 2013, p. 9). According to the Nasdaq (2014, para. 1), institutional holdings for this incorporation are as follows:
- Total Number of Holders 2,165
- Total Shares Held 3,708,777,206
- Total Value of Holdings 369,468,385,262
- Net Activity 27,345,752
As of October 6, 2014, stock values are at $99.64 per share with a change volume at approximately 31% (Nasdaq, 2014). Its product line includes its own operating systems, hardware, application software, and services which includes delivery of third-party digital content and applications through the iTunes Store (SEC, 2013).
Risk Factors
As a “for-profit” business, the future of Apple will rely heavily upon its ability to maintain products that will benefit the consumer and keep abreast and above its competition. Reportable threats include similar manufactures that have expertise in subfields including technical, marketing, and distribution (SEC, 2013). Their competitors strategy—the ability to produce similar consumer friendly products at a much lower cost. Apple is the only manufacturer of the hardware using OS X, however only holding a minority share in this market (SEC, 2013) Windows remains their biggest competitor in this market.
Summary
Any business will need to stay up to date with the latest and greatest in order to satisfy its target audience—the consumer. In addition to its innovative products and services offered, Apple has struggled to keep up with the competition, despite its impressive financial history. Research focused on the needs and wants of the consumer will help keep this company producing products that will take technology even further.
References
Nasdaq. (2014). Apple Inc. Web.
PBS.org. (n.d.). The history of apple computers. Web.
The apple revolution: 10 key moments. (2014). Time Magazine. Web.
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. (2013). Annual report: Form 10 K. Web.