Why I'm All About Apple

Apple (AAPL) is trading at $164 per share, $28 off their yearly high, and I want every share I can get going into the holiday season. About three months ago I made a life changing decision, the decision to purchase an iMAC desktop computer. 15 minutes later I was asking myself, "what took me so long?".

Ahh the colors, the compatibility, the ease at which I maneuvered on my new computer. My initial impression was that the MAC offered the greatest operating system and computing unit I have ever experienced. Three months later, my MAC was my new prized possession, "My Baby". I run to her in the morning and re-live the feelings of the first time I turned her, discovering to my delight that Mac has no start-up, no disks to download, no Internet to connect, nothing. Just take it out of the box, turn it on and you are ready to go. I plugged in my HP printer and voila, my Mac detected the printer and automatically set up to print. A far cry from the disk install of the same printer on my Sony (SNE) Vio, which took considerably more time then necessary.

I, like so many others, found it hard to leave the familiarity I developed with Microsoft (MSFT) OS. I heard Mac was great but I was a Microsoft guy. The truth is, I just didn't know any better. With my Mac I have forgotten what a pop-up window looks like; a distant memory is the process of re-starting my frozen computer; forgotten was the need to install printers. Oh and where is the tower that comes with desktops? That's right. The Mac contains the whole computer in the monitor. You mean no wires? No pop-ups? No viruses? No freezing? I am pleased to say, No Sir, none of that. Life is great!!!!

I can truly say I am saying goodbye to Microsoft forever. I was stuck in a prison of Microsoft Operating Systems and have been released. Mac delivers freedom, a breath of fresh air in a dark place. Now, armed with my iMac, Mac Book PRO (Laptop) and iPod, I am taking on the world. I truly cannot wait to see what is coming next. It's like Steve Jobs is trapped in a prison as well, a prison of coolness causing him to create the most innovative, trendy products in the world. Meanwhile a good portion of the computing public remains trapped in Microsoft's operating prison. Whether unwilling to admit it or not, consumers are slow to realize Mac computers and operating systems are leaps and bounds ahead of Microsoft products. I am not negative on Microsoft as a company, but as far as computers go, Mac is hands down a better product. When I go to work, I find myself depressed while working on their Microsoft or HP (HPQ) computers, thinking "why must the misery continue?" It is like a horrible nightmare.

Don't believe me, go right now to the store, purchase a Mac and let me know in a half-hour what you think. I guarantee satisfaction.

An Apple Holiday

So today, I am buying a mother load of Apple stock trading at $164 per share, almost 30 points off their yearly high. Honestly, I wouldn't care if AAPL was trading at the yearly high; I want in for the holiday season. I believe this holiday season is an "Apple Holiday", a defining moment for the company.

Before I get into the fundamentals, let me just explain where I am coming from. Looking at my Christmas list today, I came to a strong conclusion: Apple products will be the most desirable gifts this holiday season. My Christmas List so far:

1) For me: iphone (I need this).

2) My amazing girlfriend: iPhone, Mac Book for law school.

3) Her mom, my mom and dad, my brother, and our sister in law: Touch screen iPod with wi-fi internet (5 Total).

4) My nephew: A Mac notebook for 3rd grade.

Then I thought of all the iPods I bought last year and how many I will buy this year. I believe I will end up purchasing close to ten iPods this holiday. I already own a ton of Apple products and year to year I am increasing how many I buy. Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO said, "We're looking forward to a strong December quarter as we enter the holiday season with Apple's best products ever."

I know others' Christmas lists look similar to mine. Lets face it, Apple products are hot! Looking around all I see are iPods, iPhones and Mac books. Everywhere, passing kids going to school carrying different color notebooks, businessmen with their iPhones all having the Apple insignia. Apple products appear to be the in-style brand for young and old.

Moving into fundamentals I want to focus on Apple's "6th fundamental: Innovation". Not only are Apple products innovative from their TV commercials to the iPhone, Apple products revolutionize their industries. Apple didn't create a phone; they revolutionized the phone industry and mobile internet. Apple didn't create an mp3 player, they revolutionized the way we listen to, buy, and play music and movies. They continue to display the knack for this type of revolutionizing innovation.

iPod Nation

How was life without an iPod? I just can't remember, nor do I want to. The ability to play any song, from any album I own, at any time with the easy swipe of a finger has changed my life forever. Could I ever go to the gym with out my iPod? Oh no. Could I imagine a day in my car with out my music? I don't think so. This is a common theme for iPod owners. The music purchasing counterpart to the iPod (iTunes Music Store) is revolutionary on its own strengths. The ability to buy one or two songs instead of purchasing a whole album has changed the music industry forever. No longer will I be the victim of a record company, buying an album with two quality songs. I, the consumer, will choose the way I purchase music. iTunes hosts 6 million songs. Did I tell you they also host 550 TV series and 500 movies? Apple has sold 3 billion songs to date, 2 million movies and 100 million TV shows. Not only can I buy movies and music for my iPod, I can watch my favorite TV shows as well; simply amazing. Bravo, Steve, Bravo. Did you know Microsoft has an MP3 out as well? Yeah, not only is one out, but it's the second model, as the first failed to materialize with consumers. I predict in two years Microsoft will no longer be in the portable mp3 business. Microsoft just cannot compete with the iPod's popularity. Oh, and the new iPod is completely touch screen with built in wi-fi for free Internet access. So now, on your iPod, you can surf the web anywhere you want for free via wi-fi. Genius, Steve ,Genius.

iPhone Revolution

I presently own a Blackberry (RIMM) and compared to my friend's iPhone, my Blackberry looks prehistoric. I am getting the iPhone for Christmas and the wait is brutal. I am falling right into Apple's marketing strategy. "We can't wait to get this revolutionary product into the hands of even more customers this holiday season", said Jobs. Sign me up Steve! I believe Steve will get his product into significant new hands, and you are unwise to believe otherwise. The iPhone sold 1 million units 74 days after debuting. Since, Apple has reduced the price and is benefiting from huge sales overseas. When the next round of numbers come out on iPhone sales, there is no question they will report extraordinary sales. The iPhone is better then any other product on the market. The Internet is crisp and easy to steer. Not the slow limited Blackberry internet I am used to.

Apple's new operation system, the "Leopard", sold 2 million copies in the first weekend, showing the type of demand for new Apple products. The innvoation Apple continues to produce should keep them ahead of the curve for awhile.

Now, lets take a look at how Apple's finaces are managed. How do Apple's numbers hold up to their innovation? First, lets examine 4th quarter results ending September 29, 2007 leading into the holiday. Apple released results showing better quarterly growth then analyst expected, reporting revenue of $6.22 billion, compared to $4.84 billion in the year-ago quarter. Apple showed gross margins (gross margins are figured by dividing gross income into net sales; gross income is revenue remaining after subtracting cost of goods sold) of 33.6 percent, up from 29.2 percent in the year-ago quarter. The smart money considers increases in gross margins year over year as imperative to quality management. For the 4th quarter, Apple reported a net quarterly profit of $904 million vs. quarterly profit of $542 million the year-ago quarter. The Mac computer was the driving force bedhind the huge growth in sales. Apple moved 2,164,000 Mac computers, delivering 34% growth over the year-ago quarter and greater than the previous quarterly record for Mac shipments by 400,000. Obviously Apple is pleased with its increased market share in the personal computer market and is showing the abaility to increase their market share year over year.

Apple's international exposure is interesting as well. If there is any further deterioration in the US economy, Apple's overseas sales should help maintain their growth rates. Their overseas marketing campaign is working as international sales accounted for 40 percent of the 4th quarter's revenue.

Let's take closer look at the 2007 fiscal year and how the company has progressed since 2003. "We are very pleased to have generated over $24 billion in revenue and $3.5 billion in net income in fiscal 2007," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. Of course Mr. Jobs is happy; Apple ended the fiscal 2007 year with $15.4 billion in cash and no debt.

Net sales (the top line, total revenue before expenses) have increased year over year since 2003 (I did not go back further then 2003). Net sales for 2007 were 24,006 up 24% from 19,315 in 2006. Net sales were 13,931 in 2005, up from 8,279 in 2004, following 6207 in 2003. Net sales have increased four-fold since 2003 and grew 4.7 billion in 2007 from 2006. Net income (the bottom line, what is left after subtracting expenses from revenue) has increased from 57 million in 2003 to 3,496 in 2007, more then a 600% increase.

Looking at Apple's flagship product, the Mac computer, we see Apple is increasing their market share in the personal computer industry. Total Mac net sales were reported at 10,314, up 40% from 7,375 in 2006, following a 18% increase from 6,275 in 2005. The increasing sales percentages are very exciting and I expect sales of Mac to continue to grow. The 40% increase in computer sales is way above the industry average and Apple has room for growth here. Mac unit sales increased by 1.75 million units or 33% in 2007. In 2007, Apple sold 7,051 Mac units 33% increase from 5303 in 2006, following a 17% increase from 2005's 4534 units sold. It is important for Mac unit sales to continue to increase and retain market share in the computer industry for long-term stock growth.

There is no reason to expect a slow-down this holiday season in Apple products. The iPhone sold 1,359 million units debuting in the second half of 2007. Net sales of music related products increased $611 million, or 32%, during 2007 vs. 2006 from increased iTunes store sales. Oppenheimer, Apple's CFO, said: "Looking ahead to the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we expect revenue of about $9.2 billion and earnings per diluted share of about $1.42." That is more then a 30% increase in revenue form the fourth quarter 2007 to the first quarter 2008. I presume they will beat that estimate. M

ake no mistake about it, Apple is on the move. They have a quality company with amazing management and a loyal fan base. Once you buy one Apple product you are sure to buy another; there are just no comparable products on the market. This holiday seems to be Apple's holiday; maybe for Christmas you should treat your self to a stock position in Apple and profit with the company. I am buying AAPL for the short-term as the holiday season should create a tremendous quarter for Apple products. For the midterm I am buying because after the holiday I expect continued growth in market share for the Mac computer. For the long-term investor (5 years or more) this is the company I want to place my future on. I want to buy AAPL and tuck it away for my kids as I watch the most innovative company expand their business. With new iPods coming out every year and a new phone already in development, the company has a recipe to retain loyal consumers (count me) to continue to purchase their products.

The stock has been on the rise as the world starts to understand that Apple products are superior to those of competitors. Once the world finally realizes how superior Apple computers are, we will see even greater growth going forward. For all the Macs out there, Apple still holds a relatively small portion of the market share on personal computers, providing a basis for millions of customers. The iPod already the leader in the mp3 market but still has a large untapped resource of new mp3 customers.

The bottom line is that I want to own as much Apple stock and products as I can, and so should you. They create revolutionary lifestyle products for young and old, the cool and un-cool, with new business coming from new and old customers.

Disclosure: Author has a long position in AAPL

Comments

[HAYWEED]

You need an apple tv and then you will be amazed at how itunes magically works in the living room.

[LLN]

You will need a Vudu box to see how good why AppleTV doesn't go any where.

[Jon T]

Amazing that so many people like us take so long to make the change. We all say the same thing when we do though.

APPL can only grow as we all sell it to our friends, acquaintances, rabbits and relations..!

[jswede]

the beautiful thing about making the iPod or iPhone a gift - for the stock - is that these people will fall in love with the interface and simplicity, and are sure to consider the a Mac for their next PC, and most will choose it.

and Samij, calling the iPhone DOA in europe is incredibly short sighted. It's clear you are not familiar with mobile culture in Europe. they are all waiting on 1) the price cut, and - most importantly - 2) 3G. When Apple gets their ducks lined up and launch the 3G version, it will explode.

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[JohnMicheline]

Thats what is so interesting about Apple, they have so much room to grow in personal computers. Those of us fortunate enough already using Mac know Apple has a better products. As others catch their market share will comtinue to grow. Apples last quater growth, following years of continous growth in personal computing market share are a good indicator others are catching on as well. Plus I belive Apple is growing one of the most brand loyal customer base in the industry. Once you own 1 apple product you want another.

[LLN]

I think this is your personal opinion and not a market research. Picking a stock is not just all about "me", "I". Currently, It's all about momentum and trend. However consumer confident is low then every consumer stock will suffer. I like Apple too but this is be a cautious time to go crazy on any stock.

[samij]

i just can't read the rambling through, but let me correct one mistake: there're are no huge sales of iphones oversees. the launch was a flop which is turning into a farce.

[JohnMicheline]

I think you are confused. The iphone has done very well in Germany and other places ypu should look into it more. 40% of Apples business comes from overseas.

[wagonjumper]

Sign me up. Give me an apple or nothing at all.

[Davis Gentry]

It appears from this article that Apple does not have spell check...

[JohnMicheline]

I apologize if my articles are not grammatically error free. I am extremely busy; I still like to write about investing in my spare time. I would like to have everything error free but I am working on getting my editing done in a more efficient way

[Davis Gentry]

It appears from this article that Apple does not have spell check...

[Tedious]

[geek mode ON]

For what it's worth: "MAC" is short for Machine Access Code" "Mac" is short for Macintosh. "mac" is short for elbow macaroni.

[geek mode OFF]

[ConstableOdo]

Man, you can gush and praise Apple all you want. If that's what you feel, then let the good times roll. You buy more shares and I'll be buying more shares. We can both help push the stock to the effin' sky. When it reaches $225 by early next year, I might start doing the Irish jig and I hate the Irish jig. I'll be buying another Mac and maybe an iPod touch.

If any wet noodles try to dampen your spirit, then ignore them. If the overall market takes a downturn, just be glad Apple may still fare better than most stocks.

That dude that said the iPhone isn't doing to well "oversees" (it's overseas, BTW) may be right. I think it will take some time to crack that market as people start to catch on by word-of-mouth or familiarity.

It shouldn't matter much as long as all the other Apple products are smoking hot, so no need to get too nervous.

And those who seem to be avid spelling correction and grammar correction anal-ysts, my sincerest and most humble apologies if there are any glaring errors in my comment. Like anyone here gives a crap about your superior communication skills. This isn't some effin' English test or a interview for a post as an English professor.

Consider the above article as an open love letter to Apple and the receiver doesn't care if love is spelled "luv." It's the feeling that counts.

[David Forjan]

I have been an Apple investor since 1997, the year Steve Jobs returned (and fortunately I cashed in right before the crash in 2000, then I bought back in in a big way). My motto then, and still is, to bet on Steve Jobs. Look what he did with Pixar. I will never bet against him. Just bet on him.

I worked with Macs as programmer, sales, consultant since 1987.

Enough about me, though.

You hit the nail on the head in your article, "An Apple Holiday. What I have known for years about the Mac and Steve Jobs, is just now becoming mainstream. The upside potential is quite huge. Apple has 5-6% market share, with 94% computer owners as potential new customers. And the tipping point I've been expecting may have started last quarter, FY4Q07. Especially judging from your experiences and observations.

In 2002 or -03, Steve Jobs told everyone he was going to create the digital hub lifestyle. And here it is. iPhone, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, iLife, all connected seamlessly, synching, updating automatically.

And even though he told the world that he was going to do it, no one else has. And he delivered it as a wonderful user experience. I could go on and on, but you already have. You hit all the nails on the head.

When I started out investing in Apple, it was as a retirement fund. It still is. But now it is also a source of income, in addition to my retirement fund.

Hopefully your readers will learn from you and secure their own retirement, and short term income, from sizable investment in Apple.

Good luck to you John and all your readers.

David Forjan

[mikhailovitch]

I don't disagree with any of your facts or analysis, but your Kool-Aid affected tone is a bit off-putting, and induces a bit of sceptecism in the reader.

[avocade]

That's how I would put it. I know the feeling Apple products have on people (I've been an Apple evangelist since 1991), but this is bordering on the ridiculous; especially for a pretty reputed financial outlet.

[truthvoice]

To fully understand the frame of mind of the author in this article, you too, could only be using a MAC. Until you own your first Apple, you will never reach the level of computer user bliss. I have used OSX for three years now and must say that I NEVER worry about something stupid happening during startup or shutdown, or while browsing the internet, like I have had while in Bill's world. In the Winblows world you have to spend hundreds of dollars over the life of the PC with Symantec and McAffee to "protect" your screwy operating system all while robbing your system of all the resources in which you've paid for. I have ran without protection for three years now and have NEVER, EVER, EVER had a virus, spyware/adware infestation or system crash. I get to use all my horsepower to crunch HD Movies in Final Cut, or make really cool Photo Books from Iphoto. I suppose it would be fun spending a hundred bucks here and there adding ram to my computer or increasing the hard disk space. Buying a faster processor simple to run a newer anti-virus program sounds like a blast to me? L-O-L .. that's all there is to say.

[User 124591]

May be a handheld, new apple TV or even a iTV are coming soon but I think an important factor will be the partnership between Apple and Google (wireless network and internet smart systems).
About AAPL, fundamentals are good but it is time now to be prudent. Dollar/oil/subprime put economy and stocks at risk. I would like to have an idea of the best price to buy AAPL in the next months.

[User 124591]

May be a handheld, new apple TV or even a iTV are coming soon but I think an important factor will be the partnership between Apple and Google (wireless network and internet smart systems).
About AAPL, fundamentals are good but it is time now to be prudent. Dollar/oil/subprime put economy and stocks at risk. I would like to have an idea of the best price to buy AAPL in the next months.

[User 124591]

May be a handheld, new apple TV or even a iTV are coming soon but I think an important factor will be the partnership between Apple and Google (wireless network and internet smart systems).
About AAPL, fundamentals are good but it is time now to be prudent. Dollar/oil/subprime put economy and stocks at risk. I would like to have an idea of the best price to buy AAPL in the next months.

[Big Daddy]

I think you overstate the disruptive factor of the Ipod.
It was the Walkman that revolutionized everthing.
You just couldn't take your record player to the gym.
After the Walkman, you could record ANY song on to your mixtape
and listen to it ANYWHERE.

The ipod (and other inbetweeners) simply incrementally increased the convenience - smaller, better sound, no tapes to lose or break, more songs.

But honestly...does it really make THAT much of a difference
if you have your 40 favorite songs with you on a given day vs your favorite 4000?

Only for ipod salesman, I guess.

[User 124591]

May be a handheld, new apple TV or even a iTV are coming soon but I think an important factor will be the partnership between Apple and Google (wireless network and internet smart systems).
About AAPL, fundamentals are good but it is time now to be prudent. Dollar/oil/subprime put economy and stocks at risk. I would like to have an idea of the best price to buy AAPL in the next months.

[FerruccioFortini]

We're awfully close to the 50-days moving average, so bargains in the near future look unlikely. If you have a very long-term outlook (and don't mind running a substantial risk of never buying the stock) you might decide to look at the 200-days moving average, which, while steadily increasing, is still below 130 -- suggesting a small but nonzero chance of a bargain in the 130s/140s within a few months. Me, I followed these silly technicals too long on this stock, foregoing opportunities to buy in at less than 1/10th the current price 3.5 years ago "because it was well above the 200-days moving average":-(. And I was asleep at the wheel (or rather long to my limit in other, not-as-good stocks, but that's another story) the one and only time it went below 200-MVA in recent memory, 1.5 years ago (at that time I could have bought in for around 1/3 the current price). So at last I gave up on the silly technicals and just bought the stock (in the mid-160's) -- for about 1/10th of my non-bonds portfolio value (I do believe in differentiation... I say "non-bonds" rather than "stocks" because in that portfolio I also hold commodities ETFs and ETFs shorting various indices, as well as stocks). My guess is that a year from now I'll be looking at juicy returns; probably not as good as the 86+% you'd have gotten over the last 12 months, but better than, say, the 23% HPQ would have given you over the same period of time.

[FerruccioFortini]

We're awfully close to the 50-days moving average, so bargains in the near future look unlikely. If you have a very long-term outlook (and don't mind running a substantial risk of never buying the stock) you might decide to look at the 200-days moving average, which, while steadily increasing, is still below 130 -- suggesting a small but nonzero chance of a bargain in the 130s/140s within a few months. Me, I followed these silly technicals too long on this stock, foregoing opportunities to buy in at less than 1/10th the current price 3.5 years ago "because it was well above the 200-days moving average":-(. And I was asleep at the wheel (or rather long to my limit in other, not-as-good stocks, but that's another story) the one and only time it went below 200-MVA in recent memory, 1.5 years ago (at that time I could have bought in for around 1/3 the current price). So at last I gave up on the silly technicals and just bought the stock (in the mid-160's) -- for about 1/10th of my non-bonds portfolio value (I do believe in differentiation... I say "non-bonds" rather than "stocks" because in that portfolio I also hold commodities ETFs and ETFs shorting various indices, as well as stocks). My guess is that a year from now I'll be looking at juicy returns; probably not as good as the 86+% you'd have gotten over the last 12 months, but better than, say, the 23% HPQ would have given you over the same period of time.

[PK de Cville]

Love your excitement and agree w/ most of what you say. I am long aapl for the last 6 years!

But but but but, Pls review your numbers; many are incorrect (grammatically), and then there's this blooper:

Net income (the bottom line, what is left after subtracting expenses from revenue) has increased from 57 million in 2003 to 3,496 (million, my ed) in 2007, more then a 600% (6000%, my ed) increase.

[PK de Cville]

Love your excitement and agree w/ most of what you say. I am long aapl for the last 6 years!

But but but but, Pls review your numbers; many are incorrect (grammatically), and then there's this blooper:

Net income (the bottom line, what is left after subtracting expenses from revenue) has increased from 57 million in 2003 to 3,496 (million, my ed) in 2007, more then a 600% (6000%, my ed) increase.

[PK de Cville]

Love your excitement and agree w/ most of what you say. I am long aapl for the last 6 years!

But but but but, Pls review your numbers; many are incorrect (grammatically), and then there's this blooper:

Net income (the bottom line, what is left after subtracting expenses from revenue) has increased from 57 million in 2003 to 3,496 (million, my ed) in 2007, more then a 600% (6000%, my ed) increase.

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[JohnMicheline]

You are absolutely right. When ever I convence a friedn to buy a Mac or give them Apple products as gifts I always hear positive feedback. I do not think i have ever heard a negative complaint about an Apple product. Also when you buy a Mac you can go to Apple store and receive free lessons on how to use your product.

PS I couldnt wait fro Christmas so i went out and bought the iPhone. One word "Amazing".

[jonreagan]

It's great so see some enthusiasm--which I think is well placed--for a change! This is a fairly irrational market which tends to play up negatives, many which of which end up being insignificant. I'd add two observations to your article:

1) So much corporate thinking today is short-term, which in turn is often motivated by greed. Yesterday's WSJ had a good-piece about share buybacks, which many companies are coming to regret in this market. More often than not, these have the singular goal of increasing EPS (no surprise here) which in turn is tied to the top officers' bonus objectives. In one high profile case this year, a company actually incurred debt to finance a share buyback; yes, I am serious. One could make the case that at the worst, such a move constitutes malfeasance; at best, incompetence. Share repurchases are just one of three things have been especially prevalent in the last two years:
a) share buybacks
b) M&A's
c) increasing dividends
My larger point is this: what ever happened to R&D? How often do you hear about a company aggressively increasing their expenditures on research and development? "Well, gosh, our shareholders may not like that...we have to do something for them NOW!!"
Apple is great primarily because they think long-term, and have never stinted on spending money to develop new products. They sell things that capture the public's imagination, and that people want. Apple has a steady stream of new products, a ton of creativity, and therefore a steady stream of revenue and profit....not to mention the "tie-in" revenues from AT&T, I-tunes, etc. I haven't heard them talk about share buybacks, and they don't pay dividends. But if you own the stock (or options), you've been handsomely rewarded, and will continue to be. This company thinks long-term. Period.
2) You touched on this point, but as the core of their strategy, it merits emphasis: Apple takes a "lifestyle merchandising" approach to its products, so that customers---like yourself--want to own everything they make. This is the result of great product design, savvy marketing, and a host of other things--and it's obviously working.
3) Finally, good debate is healthy, but the Apple bashers often "don't want to be confused with the facts". I spoke to one the other day who was suggesting I unload my Apple shares, to invest in.....Baidu. Which had a P/E ratio somewhere around 195X the last time I checked. Somehow, he kept trying to convince me that Apple was overpriced. Well.
Having watched the early reports on Black Friday this AM, one interview after another with the "man on the street" revealed people wanting to buy i-phones, i-pods, or macs. So the next time you hear a retailer whine about poor sales or lousy business, tell them to get over it. And to get to work.

[suhaas]

I know of another company that is spending a lot on research-- that company is MSFT.
Tells you that when it comes to research,efficiency is more important than amount . So don't let numbers fool you. There are a lot more unrecognized companies out there, that in hindsight will turn out to be greater buys. I would wish the authors of this site to look into those, rather than rant about already known stories.

[beech_35]

From the Safari menu, Edit > Spelling > Check Spelling as You Type.

[beech_35]

Mac owners can only chuckle and say "welcome, and by the way, where have you been the past ten, fifteen years?"

Several weeks ago I had a rather heated discussion with a long-time PC devotee, who "can't stand Apple" and had recently spent $5500 on a custom built high end Dell workstation, but recently had to replace its hard disk twice in eighteen months. After telling me everything he expects to do with his computer, I tried in vain to convince him to buy an Apple. He eventually conceded my points were valid, but he just "prefers the Windows way". In the end I managed to convince him to go to an Apple store, not to buy anything, just to check things out and see what's new.

A week later he called me. You guessed it - he exited the Apple store with a brand new iMac. I asked how its performance compares to his ultra-high-end Windows box. He laughed and said "actually, I haven't used it since I bought the iMac."

[android1]

I am a Mac user myself, but this guy comes across like a raving lunatic Mac fanboy. And Mac users wonder why many PC see them as a cult. It is unfortunate that such a great platform is represented by fanboy drivel-gushing clowns like this one. Geez!

[User 124797]

I'm thinking of adding Apple to complement BRLIX, which lack this stock in its portfolio. It seems like a safe long term investment. I still can't believe Mac only has 6% of the home computer market after all these years. I switched in 2002 and have never looked back. What a great product & company.

[Kiko]

Welcome, you'll never go back!

[Just Kidding]

Curious, is "The Leopard" similar to "The Google"? :) Welcome to the cult.

[JohnMicheline]

Actually I have a TV adapter. I love my iPod at the Gym, The car, and in the house.

John M

[marni]

I'm so excited! I just found out that I'm getting an ipod with wi-fi for Christmas from my son. Thanks John!!

Love,

Mom