Examining The Heart of A Multinational Company
Apple Inc. previously known as Apple Computer Inc. was founded in 1976. The
American Multinational Corporation is known for dominating the technology industry with market savvy products. Apple’s success is attributed to the company’s ability to design and produce products with highly valued customer benefits and unique benefits for which customers pay premium prices. Although the company has a large presence in various segments of the technology market their focus is on four major products. Mac computers, iPod music players, iPhones, and iPads are primary products produced by the company. Apple also designs, manufacturers, and markets operating systems, developer tools, networking solutions, and database software. Historically, Apple has focused its efforts in the United States and Europe. One major contributor to the company’s success was the decision to become a multinational organization. Presently, North American sales account for half of Apple’s revenue. Twenty-five percent of sales are earned in Europe, fifteen percent in Japan, seven percent in Asia and Pacific regions, and the remaining five percent of sales are from the rest of the world. Apple, a now multinational billion dollar company has come a long way from being the company founded with $1300. In 1980, Apple became publicly traded. On the day Apple went public their stock rose 32% making approximately 40 employees instant millionaires. Not only did the two found Steve Jobs and Markkula become instant millionaires that day, but the million dollar salaries equated to roughly a 220,700% return on investment. The decision to go public was based on several advantageous premises that would all lead to success by raising awareness and capital. The Apple Inc. management team believed that going public would build awareness for the company, offer prestige, and the company would benefit from the free publicity. In addition,