Comments on: Apple's record Q1 earnings fall on deaf ears

By: Flip Smithers, Portland, ME

Flip Smithers, Portland, ME — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:11:30 +0000

I am not a trader or investor of any note even in my wildest dreams, but I am a user and investor in Apple (albeit a VERY small one). Why? Because I use their product and believe in what they produce is quality that speaks to my needs, my life and lifestyle.

I bought Apple many, many years ago when it was in the low double digits (wish I had the money back when it was in the teens). I now have a 1000% increase in my initial investment. I have no plans to sell it and I may buy more for the same reasons mentioned above.

I have read all these comments with interest (and some dismay at the vitriol). While I cannot comment on the ups and downs of the Market with anything but curiosity, I have noticed an interesting historical correlation.

Every spring, as Apple launches the SF Mac World, investors eagerly wait for Job’s opening pronouncements and the annual projections that are soon to follow. It seems to me that on any year that Apple has not made an announcement of an amazing new product (like the Macintosh, like the iMac, like OS X, like the iPhone… doesn’t matter if you use them or even like them), their stock has taken a tumble. Doesn’t seem to matter what the actual numbers are because Apple has been doing well for some time and steadily growing. I think the market expects innovation and feels justified in punishing Apple (long a whipping boy for the media) for disappointing.

And to that the general disarray of the economy and greed and hyperbole of the Market and you have… business as usual.

Oh. BTW – Apple is at 137 aftermarket and going UP.

By: Rob, Emmaus PA

Rob, Emmaus PA — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0000

I bought my first shares of AAPL in 1985. Was I wrong? The company is stronger than ever, no debt to speak of, and a growing market share. If you are a true investor, you are LONG on this one, so fluctuations don't mean beans to me.

By: Ling Sheng, Nanjing, China

Ling Sheng, Nanjing, China — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:08:59 +0000

Earth to readers, Apple sells worldwide. Although they have focused on the US market, and in Europe, they now have plans to open new "Apple stores" in China. I'm going to take a stab at locations, but I would bet… Beijing (12 million) for the olympics, Shanghai (14 million) for the huge international business opportunity, as well as Hong Kong (6 million). That's population in ()'s. Wealthy, Urban, Influential Chinese population… so 3 stores, with access to 32 million new potential clients. I'd say they'll make a LOT of money in the near to mid term.

Yes, China is eagerly awaiting the iPhone, iPod, and new Apple stores! I hear they are great in the USA.

By: Todd, St. Louis

Todd, St. Louis — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:24:43 +0000

C'mon people, read up on the topic then comment. Apple was priced for absolute perfection, and this is less than perfect. Oops, no China deal! Ouch, there goes a million Iphone sales!! Ipod getting more competition without DRM and those who know will switch, such as Google did to Yahoo. Mac's will become a bigger virus target as sales are more to home users who are easier targets than corp networks. It's a good company, I am not here to bash, but nothing like a monopoly.

By: Dan, Boston, MA

Dan, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:14:36 +0000

Keep dreaming Zebracat. How many Vista machines were shipped in Q4 vs. how many Macs and copies of Leopard were sold? Vista a failure? Jobs is praying for a "failure" on the level of Vista. The delusion of the AAPL fanboys continues unabated.

By: Zebracat, Jacksonville, Florida

Zebracat, Jacksonville, Florida — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:24:59 +0000

Some one wake up Steve Jobs from this NEXT computer company inspired nightmare. Windows ME in 2000 was a disaster that had people going back to Windows 98! Apple grew in market share during that time to above 4% only to fall to a meager 1.8% in 2004. High end gadgets are not the way. The way is attack Windows Vista as an OS for new machines. Apple is using more or less standard PC parts these days and now needs to offer a version of the OS to the low and middle level PC makers to undercut Windows OS cost on new machines. For god's sake Wal-mart was selling Machines with Linux on them to lower the price point this Xmas! With a failed Vista and a shrinking money supply now is the time to beat Microsoft at their own game by hitting low. The converts will quickly move up the ladder to buy Apple's high end product later.

By: Ashley, Dallas TX

Ashley, Dallas TX — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:28:49 +0000

Raj, you are positively amusing! It is a shame that others as well as economic indicators do not share your passionate optimism for the time being…

You are correct that the current declines are an exaggeration of the current circumstances, but we are all human (emotional) after all.

By: KD, Madison

KD, Madison — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:51:49 +0000

"that’s why he can state the facts he does……HE DOES HIS HOMEWORK!!!!"

Yes, he certainly does his homework. Unfortunately, even his skills are not sufficient in this market because most of his picks are way down. But good old Jimmy blames everything on the Fed: if we had that rate cut months DOW would be at 15000 now, never mind that subprime mess!

Regarding Apple stock: some of you should stop whining. Remember what you were thinking when the stock was at 200? I bet it was I wish I bought the stock when it was at 130’s. So here's your opportunity to buy. If you think it is still overvalued, then short it. You see, stock market will give you money for being right.

By: RAJ.LAUREL.MD

RAJ.LAUREL.MD — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:05:21 +0000

THERE IS NO RECESSION. HELLO BIRD BRAINS THERE IS NO RECESSION. WHY IS THIS FEAR AMONG PEOPLE. COME OUT OF YOUR NESTS AND SEE THERE IS NO RECESSION. HIGHER ENERGY PRICES HAS JUST CURTAILED AVERAGE AMERICAN PEOPLE FROM SPENDING ON OTHER GOODS AND SERVICES. SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THIS FEAR AS AMERICANS ARE TOO WEAK AND EASILY INTIMIDATED AND VULNERABLE AND SOME BIG SHARK IN THE STOCK MARKET IS JUST HITTING THE RIGHT SWITCH.

THERE IS NO RECESSION.

By: Jeff E, Tulsa, OK

Jeff E, Tulsa, OK — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:52:15 +0000

Apple is a good company…I would say that the investor would be well advised to "buy" at $125/share. That is about what it is worth.