Tim Cook Cashes in $3.6 Million in Stock as Respected Analyst Gives Him Passing Grades

[nvmls]

Really? Astonishing insight.

I guess the analyst really pushed the boundaries considering a huge portion of apple's consumer base will buy any half-baked crap they put out on day 1 and Mr. Cook as CEO would never take advantage of this.

Next time a walkthrough of quality products released under his era would be more insightful.

 

[zaaach48]

Great point. Also, one product that has been relatively unchanged in a few years and with little product differentiation from the competition.

i dunno, one might think that their ability to maintain intense interest in that main product (62% of revenue btw) in an industry where NO OTHER COMPANIES are profiting off of that product....for 10 years....while also selling the most tablets and smartwatches of any company, PLUS ever-increasing Mac marketshare is a testament to a good product line and R&D.

I agree with the employee culture...Apple treats its retail employees like garbage, and even it's corporate employees, while highly paid, don't make as much as they would at a competitor. But then maybe they stay because they like the company culture/philosophy.
[doublepost=1484935357][/doublepost]

So lets put it this way, if Apple was doing great things in the future, why is Tim Cook dumping stocks?

Also it is completely a conflict of interest to have a CEO allowed to trade stocks for a company. I mean there is no way that Tim Cook can't be aware of pending doom and gloom, or pending amazing things that would influence stock prices. His words often directly affect stock prices. Apple should have paid out Tim Cook for any past stocks he may have had prior to becoming CEO, or put those stocks on standby until the day he steps down as CEO.

It is incredibly fishy for this guy to cash near 140 million in stocks in the last few years.

Pretty sure if it were illegal, insider trading as you are basically stating...he would be in trouble by now. I don't think it's quite the same as ENRON

 

[zaaach48]

It should be said that Tim Cook gets an unfair amount of heat IMHO. I'm not a fan of him as CEO(compared to his predecessor). But...

Cook has been steering Apple according to the Business101 playbook. Revenues, profits and share price have never been higher. "Visionary" is not a KPI, it's like talent, one either has it or they don't. While Cook probably does not have that quality, I cannot berate him for not having it. He was tasked with making sure Apple, as a business, has a strong foundation, and he seems to be doing that. So cut the guy some slack.

For those extremely critical of the dude, ask yourself.... who better is there to run Apple? (apart from me, of course )

thank you for the logic and perspective. your inability to project potential personal disappointment onto the state of the entire company is astounding.

 

[Zwhaler]

This "respected analyst" is obviously not a Mac Pro user.

 

[satchmo]

Neil Cybart's report card
Analysis: F
Pandering: A

 

[thekeyring]

Product Strategy: A-
Product Pipeline/R&D: A

Based on what??? Its a complete secret..........if it exists.

The R&D spending. Why would the tight-fisted John Sculley II increase spending so much (even as a % it's grown, so its not just reasonable increasing as revenue increases) if he wasnt working on stuff?
[doublepost=1484936081][/doublepost]

"Product Pipeline/R&D: A"
Hahahahaha.

I assume this is based on Tim's *promises* about the contents of aforementioned clogged pipeline? "We have been thinking about Mac desktops last week for a few minutes" – ooh, that deserves a high grade!

Or about history. There were articles saying Apple had "nothing in the pipeline" around the release of iPhone 5 and then they went on to release iPhone 6, Apple Watch, Apple Pay, Apple Music, etc... Debate the quality or the success of these all you want, but they existed, and show that idiots who write "Apple have nothing in the pipeline" are talking out of their ass.
[doublepost=1484936152][/doublepost]

By your logic, if Apple continues to do well, then Tim Cook would never be allowed to cash in his stock. What then is the point of stock options if you can't sell them ever? It would be like putting your money in a bank with a high promised interest rate with the caveat that you can never withdraw your money.

That kind of logic is not welcome here, where everything Apple or Tim Cook do is a "bad move" and "idiotic". Anything good they accidentally stumble upon is a "leftover from the Steve Jobs era".

 

[paul4339]

Why does "pro" have to equate to "professional"? It could mean "proletariat" or "progressive" or just "in favor of".

....
I am not sure when people start equating "pro" with any type of professional when it comes to Macs. To me, it always meant a creative professional....
An accountant, dentists, ....

I see this all the time on this board.

There is confusion and strong criticism on the Apple "Pro" line with the logical argument:

Because the device has the name "Pro" it means suited for "Professional" ... and because I consider myself as a professional the device should suit "my" needs.

What if the label "Pro" means "Deluxe"? -- which seems to be the trend for many consumer electronics that are geared towards the enthusiast (or "pro-sumer"). Basically it's a sweet spot that hits the broadest audience of people that want a higher power machine within a targeted price range.

So everytime we hear Macbook Pro, just think Macbook Deluxe.

Just a thought.

 

[jmgregory1]

I agree with the analyst regarding the marketing / storytelling, as TC just doesn't show the kind of passion and showmanship, or just basic confidence in the products that SJ did. Few people have the same abilities as SJ, but Cook in particular comes across as an ops guy when talking about or trying to talk up their products - not surprising because that is where his strengths are.

Certainly as a traditional CEO, he's been great for shareholder value - but the lack of storytelling hurts him here as well, because he's not getting Wall Street excited either. It's almost like Apple has become like a railroad or utility stock - it will always be around producing good results, but that is about it.

 

[macTW]

Surprisingly, I agree with those grades. With the available information.

 

[MacknTosh]

I'm surprised he's taken time out of his schedule to cash in a measly $3.6million dollars worth of stock.

 

[Count Blah]

Surprisingly, I agree with those grades. With the available information.

Please explain how you agree with this ...
o Product Pipeline/R&D: A

 

[Juicy Box]

Why does "pro" have to equate to "professional"? It could mean "proletariat" or "progressive" or just "in favor of".

You are right, I guess it could mean "proletariat" or "progressive" or "proactive" or "prostate". I am not sure Apple ever truly defined what "Pro" meant in their product line.

But, doing a quick Interweb search will find several references to "Pro" and Professionals.

Also, Apple uses the term "professional" to describe who their "Pro" products are for in some of their press releases.

This MacBook Pro is a portable powerhouse for creative and professional users...

Designed for mobile professionals, the MacBook Pro includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go...

 

[MisterK]

Despite being a Cook fan, the grades feel a little high. We don't know anything besides what is out right now, so there's no basis for stellar grades on product roadmaps.

That said, too much of the punditry focuses on Apple's roadmap on current product lines. by that logic, Jobs would have gotten a failing grade because he reduced dozens of product lines to 4.

"Where is the MacBook Air/Pro/Mini" line of questioning is flawed. Apple's focus on the future needs to be holistic. Between the iMac and laptop lines, most users (yes... even power users) are accounted for. Yes, their desktop (whatever that ends up being) needs updating.

Apple's goal, as always, must be focus. Based on where the industry is headed and demand, here's what I would do:

• Mac Hardware
  • two laptop lines, one desktop line.
• macOS
  • Made to be a little slicker. OS feels dated compared to hardware. Can index more strongly on "power users" with the entry to computers being handled by iOS devices.
• iPad
  • two lines. One entry one aimed at kids and education. One aimed at everyone else (with all the iPad Pro's features)
• iPhone
  • keep pushing. Strategy is working well.
• AppleTV
  • Add a live channel with great programming and ability to watch later. Doesn't compete with Netflix, but gives cord cutters familiar substitute for traditional networks. Bring on late night show, saturday morning cartoons, news, events. If the networks don't want to play on AppleTV, make a great network for the AppleTV.
  • More interactivity with video content. Participate in gameshows. Vote in talent shows. Play along in kids shows. Non-linear video should be explored more.
• Echo Competitor
  • I don't get the hype, but many people are excited about this segment. Shouldn't compete on price. Apple should go high end. Possibly with a screen. Think of a crystal ball – not necessarily in form, but magical experience of being shown things that you've asked for with voice; "What's the weather?" shows you a snow globe, along with answer, "Where is my kid?" shows you a map along with the answer, trivia can show pictures, etc.
• AR
  • I don't think we're at the point at which the technology is ready to go mainstream, but I wouldn't have thought that the iPhone was possible in 2007 either. Apple are the masters of miniaturization, dedicated OSs, retail go-to-market strategy, slick hardware, brand partnerships... Their entry is going to make waves.
• Car
  • 10 years away at least. Don't bother with electric before self-driving. Wait for legislation and learn from others' mistakes.
• IoT
  • Not sure what's coming here, but something is. Enchanted Objects by David Rose is an enormously instructional book. AirPods have been getting rave reviews. More things without screens. Apple's strong suite is beautiful devices you can fall in love with. Having everything consolidated into a single device (phone) is not great for them. Spin off a company that concentrates more here.

 

[gugy]

Apple today is not that far off from what it would be with Jobs around. What they've been doing is not that different. You might be young, but the transition from PowerPC to Intel Macs was a lot more painful than what's going on right now. And even after that transition was made, creatives and 'pro' users still couldn't buy the new Macs unless they wanted to rely on 'Rosetta'(which greatly slowed down the machine) because of the lack of software support for at least 18 months.

This is another transition period; Intel has been slower at delivering compelling chips due to physical limitations, to a new standardized IO like USB type C, to integrating iOS and MacOS(which is insanely more difficult to do compared to how software has been supported previously). Cook will not abandon the Mac, not anytime soon.

Nope, I am 48 using Mac since 1992. Yes, I watched Apple without Steve and went through the transitions you mentioned.
I do understand the limitations of Intel. That said, it is clear that Apple could be doing way more on the Mac despite issues outside of their control. Dropping displays and Airport. Lack of updates MacPro and Mac Mini. Raising prices, keep original prices for 3+ years outdate hardware, lack of ports on MBP, etc. The list is pretty large. I am hopeful these things will be corrected sooner than later but it is not a good sign what we have been watching these last few years.

 

[Juicy Box]

I see this all the time on this board.

There is confusion and strong criticism on the Apple "Pro" line with the logical argument:

Because the device has the name "Pro" it means suited for "Professional" ... and because I consider myself as a professional the device should suit "my" needs.

What if the label "Pro" means "Deluxe"? -- which seems to be the trend for many consumer electronics that are geared towards the enthusiast (or "pro-sumer"). Basically it's a sweet spot that hits the broadest audience of people that want a higher power machine within a targeted price range.

So everytime we hear Macbook Pro, just think Macbook Deluxe.

Just a thought.

You could be totally right, but see my post:

You are right, I guess it could mean "proletariat" or "progressive" or "proactive" or "prostate". I am not sure Apple ever truly defined what "Pro" meant in their product line.

But, doing a quick Interweb search will find several references to "Pro" and Professionals.

Also, Apple uses the term "professional" to describe who their "Pro" products are for in some of their press releases.

Apple has used the term professional to describe the type of user that the product was designed for. Although, you are right, they never clearly defined the word "Pro".

"Pro" is often used to describe a professional. Think of pro baseball, pro foot ball, pro desk and pro tools at home depot. I doubt for any of the things listed they meant "Deluxe". Although, I could be wrong.

"Deluxe golfer Tiger Woods!"

 

[JosephAW]

Mr. Cook, don't let this fret you. There are plenty of places that would hire you on the spot. Try Tesla first. We'll be okay, honestly we'll be fine.

 

[paul4339]

Please explain how you agree with this ...
o Product Pipeline/R&D: A

the analyst likely bases it on this (R&D spend) taken from his site.

Apple, has been making steady improvements to it's products and release new products and moving into wearables. Whether you or I agree with apple's management priorities is subjective, but at least the writer does back up his position.

 

[Aldaris]

Despite being a Cook fan, the grades feel a little high. We don't know anything besides what is out right now, so there's no basis for stellar grades on product roadmaps.

That said, too much of the punditry focuses on Apple's roadmap on current product lines. by that logic, Jobs would have gotten a failing grade because he reduced dozens of product lines to 4.

"Where is the MacBook Air/Pro/Mini" line of questioning is flawed. Apple's focus on the future needs to be holistic. Between the iMac and laptop lines, most users (yes... even power users) are accounted for. Yes, their desktop (whatever that ends up being) needs updating.

Apple's goal, as always, must be focus. Based on where the industry is headed and demand, here's what I would do:

• Mac Hardware
  • two laptop lines, one desktop line.
• macOS
  • Made to be a little slicker. OS feels dated compared to hardware. Can index more strongly on "power users" with the entry to computers being handled by iOS devices.
• iPad
  • two lines. One entry one aimed at kids and education. One aimed at everyone else (with all the iPad Pro's features)
• iPhone
  • keep pushing. Strategy is working well.
• AppleTV
  • Add a live channel with great programming and ability to watch later. Doesn't compete with Netflix, but gives cord cutters familiar substitute for traditional networks. Bring on late night show, saturday morning cartoons, news, events. If the networks don't want to play on AppleTV, make a great network for the AppleTV.
  • More interactivity with video content. Participate in gameshows. Vote in talent shows. Play along in kids shows. Non-linear video should be explored more.
• Echo Competitor
  • I don't get the hype, but many people are excited about this segment. Shouldn't compete on price. Apple should go high end. Possibly with a screen. Think of a crystal ball – not necessarily in form, but magical experience of being shown things that you've asked for with voice; "What's the weather?" shows you a snow globe, along with answer, "Where is my kid?" shows you a map along with the answer, trivia can show pictures, etc.
• AR
  • I don't think we're at the point at which the technology is ready to go mainstream, but I wouldn't have thought that the iPhone was possible in 2007 either. Apple are the masters of miniaturization, dedicated OSs, retail go-to-market strategy, slick hardware, brand partnerships... Their entry is going to make waves.
• Car
  • 10 years away at least. Don't bother with electric before self-driving. Wait for legislation and learn from others' mistakes.
• IoT
  • Not sure what's coming here, but something is. Enchanted Objects by David Rose is an enormously instructional book. AirPods have been getting rave reviews. More things without screens. Apple's strong suite is beautiful devices you can fall in love with. Having everything consolidated into a single device (phone) is not great for them. Spin off a company that concentrates more here.

I am with you in much of what you said in regards to focus. I think Steve was on the right target when he had the product matrix between laptop/desktop with the iMac/power Mac and iBook/PowerBook and still think there is some ground for the "good, better, best" class along 3 product lines for each, they just need to be consistnat in keeping the updated-not overhauled but keep up/compete with relevant tech standards. Jump out of huge market shifts like the car project, if they lose focus on the products in their catalog, sinking everything into a failed titan project, then Apple will really be doomed.

 

[paul4339]

You could be totally right, but see my post:

"Pro" is often used to describe a professional. ...

"Deluxe golfer Tiger Woods!"

I agree. Pro means Professional.
My point is that EVEN if Apple named Macbook Pro to "Macbook Professional" it doesn't mean the Macbook will work for all professionals - it just means that it's a higher powered Macbook geared towards a broad audience that needs more capacity or features.... this is mainly because professional is too broad of a meaning (developers, accountants, artists...), so may be it's better think Pro as "a higher powered version" ('Deluxe' or 'Plus') instead of "Made for me".

 

[JustMartin]

So lets put it this way, if Apple was doing great things in the future, why is Tim Cook dumping stocks?

Also it is completely a conflict of interest to have a CEO allowed to trade stocks for a company. I mean there is no way that Tim Cook can't be aware of pending doom and gloom, or pending amazing things that would influence stock prices. His words often directly affect stock prices. Apple should have paid out Tim Cook for any past stocks he may have had prior to becoming CEO, or put those stocks on standby until the day he steps down as CEO.

It is incredibly fishy for this guy to cash near 140 million in stocks in the last few years.

So, let's get this straight. You are accusing Tim Cook of insider trading?

If you read the article, this is an agreed schedule of sales. A schedule made some time ago. There are rules about this kind of thing for company officers.

 

[Juicy Box]

the analyst likely bases it on this (R&D spend) taken from his site.
View attachment 684612

Apple, has been making steady improvements to it's products and release new products and moving into wearables. Whether you or I agree with apple's management priorities is subjective, but at least the writer does back up his position.

I remember a lot of MR articles about Apple's crazy high R&D spending lately. The increase was mostly due to the R&D of the Project Titan. Now that Project Titan has been shelved, I wonder if the R&D spending will decrease.

Imo R&D is very important for a company like to stay relevant, but too much spending with nothing to show for it is not a good thing. This is what happened to Kodak.

 

[Jim Lahey]

...it seems like people aren't even reading it...

Most people these days only read the sound of their own voice. Especially on the internet where the only goal is to act cool and get upvotes. You only read the actual article up to the point where you think of something edgy to say in response.

You also need a **** beard and some tattoos.

 

[Juicy Box]

[doublepost=1484938067][/doublepost]

My point is that EVEN if Apple named Macbook Pro to "Macbook Professional" it doesn't mean the Macbook will work for all professionals

I agree too, I miss understood your point.

I also didn't mean that "Pro" was for all professionals, or that "Pro" was only for professionals. Actually if you look back, I said the opposite with it comes to "Pro" meaning all professionals.

 

[JustMartin]

Planned or not it doesn't signal a lot of confidence when the CEO of a company sells his stock days before earnings. Any smart investor would look at all things combined including top level management jumping and sell.

Read the article. These are scheduled sales, scheduled months ago. He's not 'jumping' at all. I don't know what his vesting schedule looks like, but it's possible that it's stock he has to sell or let the options expire.

 

[macguru212]

People who say a computer is not 'Pro' usually aren't 'Pro' themselves

Or people that are starved for greater computing power because a PC at half the price burns a Mac Pro?