Financial Analysis of Apple, Inc.
Company Background
Apple, Inc. (formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc.) was incorporated in the State of California in 1977. Apple currently designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of computer and personal electronic products, including Macintosh computers, and the iPod digital music player. AppleÕs key markets are consumers, creative professionals, educational institutions, and business users.
For nearly twenty years, Apple computers have been the industry standard for creative industries such as publishing, advertising, digital music and video editing, and graphic design. Apple computer and peripheral products include Macbook and Macbook Pro laptops, iMac and Mac Pro desktops, as well a line of flat-panel displays and the Macintosh OS X operating system. Apple is currently the only company manufacturing computers that use the OS X operating system. Apple currently manufactures several high-priced software products aimed at the professional user, including the Logic line of digital audio production software, and Final Cut Pro video editing software.
Apple is the market leader in portable digital music players with their line of iPod products. Apple is also a leader in third-party digital content sales with the iTunes store, which seamlessly integrates with iTunes software and iPod hardware.
In June of 2007, Apple released its newest product, the iPhone. The iPhone combines a wireless phone with digital music and wireless Internet capabilities. The iPhone is probably the fastest selling new product in the history of Apple, with sales estimates of the $600 phone as high as 700,000 (Goldman Sachs) units during the first weekend after its launch. AT&T Wireless is the sole service provider for the iPhone, and Apple reportedly gets a share of iPhone service revenues.
Apple sells its products worldwide through a variety of channels. In addition to selling itÕs products directly to consumers thru their website, Apple utilizes third-party wholesalers,
Apple, Inc. (formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc.) was incorporated in the State of California in 1977. Apple currently designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of computer and personal electronic products, including Macintosh computers, and the iPod digital music player. AppleÕs key markets are consumers, creative professionals, educational institutions, and business users.
For nearly twenty years, Apple computers have been the industry standard for creative industries such as publishing, advertising, digital music and video editing, and graphic design. Apple computer and peripheral products include Macbook and Macbook Pro laptops, iMac and Mac Pro desktops, as well a line of flat-panel displays and the Macintosh OS X operating system. Apple is currently the only company manufacturing computers that use the OS X operating system. Apple currently manufactures several high-priced software products aimed at the professional user, including the Logic line of digital audio production software, and Final Cut Pro video editing software.
Apple is the market leader in portable digital music players with their line of iPod products. Apple is also a leader in third-party digital content sales with the iTunes store, which seamlessly integrates with iTunes software and iPod hardware.
In June of 2007, Apple released its newest product, the iPhone. The iPhone combines a wireless phone with digital music and wireless Internet capabilities. The iPhone is probably the fastest selling new product in the history of Apple, with sales estimates of the $600 phone as high as 700,000 (Goldman Sachs) units during the first weekend after its launch. AT&T Wireless is the sole service provider for the iPhone, and Apple reportedly gets a share of iPhone service revenues.
Apple sells its products worldwide through a variety of channels. In addition to selling itÕs products directly to consumers thru their website, Apple utilizes third-party wholesalers,