Apple's Future is Stockholder's Concern

On February 7, 2014, Apple bought back $14 billion of its own stocks. $12 billion of the $14 billion was bought back from Apple’s existing buyback program, with the remaining $2 billion purchased on the open market. Apple CEO Tim Cook in an interview with the Wall Street Journal tried to encourage concerned shareholders with a big key point Apple is working on in 2014. He views the company in a growth phase and has reiterated that in 2014 Apple will enter new product categories. Apple’s revenues compared to previous years has slowed though many companies would love to have the $14-15 billion revenues Apple experienced for fiscal year 2013. 

Investor concern with Apple is not a surprise considering it is valued as one of the largest companies by market value. Compared to other companies Apple is extremely meticulous in design and quality to provide the best products and experience to customers whether it is individuals or businesses. Although Google owns Android, the most used mobile software, the company doesn’t hold a candle to Apple. Though Apple’s mobile software is of lesser penetration, it the company has a larger market share than its nearest competitor. 

Shareholders are understandable to maintain concern against the nibbling of Google. Rumors swirl regularly what new products in new categories that Apple may release to combat Google, Microsoft, Samsung and others. The top fad many companies are reportedly working on on is wearables and Apple has no shortage of rumors and hints of there potential move into that category. 

Judging from recent hires into the Apple camp from sites like MacRumors and AppleInsider, Apple is definitely working on one or multiple products in new ranges than it exists in currently. In addition, Apple is working on new methods to make existing products better through the use of Sapphire glass and other materials. 

While shareholders and critics may show worry over Apple, I feel there best is probably yet to come. Even though, Jobs is not with us anymore, he left the company in a much better situation than he was brought back into to resuscitate the near bankrupt success it is today. 

References

Appleinsider. (2014, February 07). Cook discusses bigger iphones, motorola sale, android and more in interview. Retrieved from http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/02/07/cook-discusses-bigger-iphones-motorola-sale-android-and-more-in-interview

domain-b. (2014, February 08). Google briefly overtakes exxonmobil as world's 2nd most valuable company . Retrieved from http://www.domain-b.com/investments/world_markets/20140208_exxonmobil.html

TED Talk Logan LaPlante

Hackschooling is something I grew up with. During the 2nd half 2nd grade my parents took me out of the private school my sister and I attended to homeschool us. Logan LaPlante, a 13-year old TED talk speaker, discusses when he grows up he’s not as focused on being a doctor, lawyer, or some other specialist. His focus at the moment is on skiing and snowboarding. More importantly, though, Logan mentioned when he grows up he wants to happy, healthy, and creative. 

Logan is on a roadmap to be happy, healthy, and creative since his mom put him on a homeschool path. Instead of the traditional path to schooling Logan is learning his schooling around his passions of skiing and snowboarding. 

Although only 13, Logan was articulate. Coming out and grabbing the audience’s attention stating the traditional career options he’s not looking forward to but instead to be happy got everyone piqued. Continuing through his speech he weaved his interests on skiing with education on security, health, and safety that are crucial aspects to our daily lives. Logan described learning about security from the ski patrol’s education of mountain terrain and how to protect yourself in different parts of the mountain. 

I think Logan’s biggest adversity may not have been on the mountain, skiing, but in presenting the speech. Many will not see young teens or adults making major speeches. This speech on a large stage is a big plus for Logan’s development and growth as he continues on his journey. 

From Logan’s inspiration its making me think of the future of my own education outside of the proper school system. Although I may not be of age to do what Logan did I can still apply a lot of his insight into my own life beyond the Full Sail life after graduation. As people, we should be on a path to continuously learning and challenging ourselves. Growth comes out of this which is helpful throughout our life. 

References 

TEDx. (n.d.). Hackschooling makes me happy: Logan laplante at tedxuniversityofnevada. Retrieved from http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/Hackschooling-Makes-Me-Happy-Lo;search:/