Question

Apple Inc.

Introduction. Start with an introductory paragraph or two explaining the purpose of the report.

Brief History of the Company. In no more than one (1) page address the following:
•   What is the company’s principal line of business and major competitors?
•   What are their key products/services?
•   On what day does the company’s fiscal year end?
•   Provide a brief history of the company: When did the company first go public? Have they had any stock splits since then? Any other relevant data about their stock.
•   Who is their current CEO, CFO?
•   What else would a potential investor want to know?

Answer 1

Apple Inc. is an American MNC that designs, develops and sells electronic items and software. It is one of the Big Four Technology Companies in the world. It also provides various online services. In terms of revenue, it is the world's largest Technology Company. Its headquarter is in Cupertino, California, United States. It has more than 500 retail stores worldwide.

The purpose of the report is to have an understanding of the company regarding history, objectives, key products and services.

Brief history of the Apple Inc.- It was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne on 1st April, 1976. In the same year, Roanld Wayne, who illustrated the logo of the company, left the company. In 1977, the company was first incorporated as Apple Computer Inc. Its first product was Apple I. In 1984, Macintosh was launched, which was a huge success. In 1985, Steve Wozniak who was the designer of Apple I and Apple II left the company. In 2007, Apple Computer Inc. was renamed as Apple Inc. Also in the same year, iPhone was launched, which again was a great hit in the market. In 2011, Steve Jobs resigned from the designation of Ceo due to health issues. After two months, he died.

Company's principal line of business- It is a Technology comapny which designs, develops and sells electronic devices, softwares and online services.

Major Competitors- In the field of computers and laptops, Dell, Lenovo, HP Inc., Sony Corp. and ASUS are its major competitors. In the field of smartphones, its major competitor is Samsung.

Key Products and services- Its key products are Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple TV+, HomePod, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, iLife, iWork, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Shazam, Siri. Its key services are App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Card, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple Pay, Apple Store, Apple TV+, Apple Books, iCloud, iMessage, iTunes Store, Mac App Store.

Fiscal Year end- The company's Fiscal Year ends on the last Saturday of September every year.

Apple Inc became public- In 1980, when the company launched its IPO.

Stock Splits- The company has splitted its stock for four times since it went public. They had stock splits in 1987, 2000, 2005 and 2014.

Current CEO- Tim Cook

Current CFO- Luca Maestri

What Potential Investor wants to know- Apart from the points already mentioned in the report, investor should have a clear understanding of the following Factors:

1. How large is the present market for the products/ services being sold / provided by the company.

2. Expectations of the growth of demand of products / services in the market.

3. How are the products / services of the company are better than its competitors.

4. Development in the products / services of the company.

5. Business model of the company.

6. Corporate Partnerships of the company.

7. Funding of the Company.

8. Projected / Forecasted revenues of the company.