A number of analysts including Karen Finerman, President of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, are calling out for a public appearance by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in order to assure investors, shareholders and Wall Street, which is growing more and more restless.
“The stock is not going to recover until people see Steve Jobs, and see how he looks.” Finerman claimed on CNBC today. Analysts are clamoring for Jobs to make an appearance either informally on television, in an exclusive interview, or at the upcoming Macworld Expo. “Knowing how focused the market is on his health, they [Apple] should have had him introduce the new keynote speaker at Macworld.”
All around the web analysts and publications of all shapes and sizes are weighing in with their own opinions and speculation concerning the situation. Much of Wall Street’s reaction though, is focused on one thing in particular, the current health of Steve Jobs.
Wall Street’s destructive obsession with Jobs’ health affects the company’s bottom line tremendously. Among those hit hardest are shareholders and investors. Inspired by MacDailyNews, CNBC’s Jim Goldman reiterates why an uptick rule
Consider that this company continues to excel even in the face of recession. But any momentum Apple enjoys is quickly, electronically dashed by those betting against the company. The web lights up with concerns about Steve Jobs’ health; whether he’s dying; or will be incapacitated; or will be resigning or retiring. And shares get destroyed, no matter how fundamentally solid Apple might be.
The fact is, posting “gaunt,” or “frail,” or “Steve Jobs is ill” is the financial equivalent of yelling fire in a crowded movie house. And if that kind of thing is going to be tolerated, government should step in and either investigate the manipulators, or bring back the Uptick Rule.
I have personally reached out to both shareholders, and investors that hold sizable positions in Apple (AAPL). The overall concern remains consistent, and the fundamental request is for an appearance by Jobs himself.
Interestingly, we were able to get in touch with a Macworld Expo representative today who confidently stated “He will be there, he’s just not giving the speech.” Based solely on the representative’s comments, we cannot completely confirm Jobs’ attendance at Macworld. But some reassurance may be needed in order to assure Wall Street that everything is under control.
10 Comments to “Analysts Calling For Public Appearance by Apple CEO Steve Jobs”
Why doesn’t Apple come out and confirm that Jobs will at least be there? That would be some needed reassurance immediately.
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I’m surprised that everyone didn’t realize how deep this economic crisis was until this news hit. Expo conferences are a “premium” thing, and seen as a luxury experience. Apple doesn’t need to waste its money on them.
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Well played sir.
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Doesn’t matter. It’s a ritual, there’s more to it than just the expo. There’s a certain magic there.
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@Kaleb: Apple will do this when they feel the time is right. This company is run by some of the smartest people in the world. They know when, how and what to do what’s right. Simply coming out and showing off Jobs on tv won’t do anything but further increase speculation as to “Why did they just do that?” , “Was that his last appearance?” , “Is Apple worried?” It’s all just media hype that is itching for something to go wrong in Cupertino. This way the shortsellers will say “WE WERE RIGHT!” and there will be headlines for ages. It’s bullshit.
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Apple needs to get its act together. SHOW HIS FACE! LET THE PEOPLE KNOW HE’S OKAY ?!?!?! WAKE UP EVERYONE !!!! What would be so wrong with showing his face, he’s the CEO ! His job is to watch out for us! The shareholders !
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AAPL investors should welcome this change. Every move Apple makes to be less dependent on Jobs is a long term positive for the company.
If you believe in Steve Job’s business management skills than you should believe this is a very calculated step. And Jobs obviously doesn’t like giving stock option rewards to employees and himself ($1 salary remember) then have them fall below par value because of questions swirling his health (though maybe he could start forward-dating them…)
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Man……These so called “Analysts” are IDIOTS !!!!
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@Casey: I’m not sure we’ll welcome this change, more than we’ll be watching it with a fine tooth comb. At least for now. For the most part, I agree with you. But, it will take a few years perhaps for shareholders to truly understand what has happened, and that it’s a lucrative move. I mean, all of the positive sides of this have been addressed: 1) Product release schedule back in Apple’s hands – 2) Apple doesn’t need to release a blockbuster product every year – 3) Apple saves money – 4) Expo’s are a thing of the past. But there’s also another side – 1) Meeting with friends 2) Exposure for other companies 3) General appeal 4) Global reach 4) Free Media Coverage.
Anyways, this is definitely huge. But as a shareholder myself (modest stake), I don’t welcome this change. I WOULD however welcome this change, if it came with JUST A LITTLE more information. I don’t that’s too much to ask.
Asking for some appearance? That’s ridiculous. He is not a trophy. But maybe just a little tad of clarity on this incredibly gloomy and emotional last 24 hours.
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Re: the need for Steve to be seen…
It’s not like he is never seen around the Apple campus is it? John Gruber wrote about this on Daring Fireball awhile back:
“Jobs is a common presence on the Apple campus. He eats in the cafeteria, he walks around between buildings. He’s not and has never been a recluse.”
So it doesn’t seem like it would take *too* much work to get a first-hand report on Steve’s physical appearance.
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