Apple official steps down in board feud: Chief is also rumored to be under a cloud

Article Abstract:

Apple VP and CFO Joseph A. Graziano leaves, and CEO Michael H. Spindler remains under a cloud despite a statement of support from the company's board. Apple claims that Graziano's departure is friendly, but sources say that Graziano's management style clashed that of Spindler. Apple's current market share of 8% reflects the company's inability to secure vital parts and its inaccurate forecasts of demand, as well as quality-control problems that have caused some notebook computers to burst into flames. Analysts tracking Apple's stock generally regard Graziano as providing Apple with a strong balance sheet but feel that Graziano deceived them by announcing that the company was doing well. Days later, Apple released news that it would not meet 4th qtr earnings estimates. Graziano's contention that Apple should be sold was unpopular with board members. Graziano is the second executive vice president to depart since Spindler took over in 1993.

Microcomputers, Officials and employees, Human resource management, AAPL, Company personnel management, Apple Inc., Spindler, Michael H., Company Employee, Company Employee Status Change

---

A PC elitist turns crowd pleaser; Hewlett-Packard, once a self-defeating snob, sees sales boom

Article Abstract:

HP is making the transition from a manufacturer of powerful but unpopular systems to the second fastest growing PC vendor behind only Packard Bell. HP's sales of desktop systems have increased from $670 million in 1992, to $1.4 billion in 1993, to $2.5 billion in 1994 and is now ranked ninth in total worldwide sales and third in PC-based server sales. HP used to concentrate on markets in which it was already successful such as printers and calculators and ignore the PC market. Then company executives realized that they were missing an opportunity and began developing systems to meet the growing demand for more power on smaller systems. HP also lowered its prices and began selling through the dealer channel, which it had been ignoring for years.

Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Company Business Management

---

Higher price cements Samsung's deal with AST

Article Abstract:

Samsung Electronics is acquiring the remaining 51% of AST Research that it does not already own in a $170 million deal. Samsung's challenge is to persuade dealers to begin selling or continue selling AST computers, which have not enjoyed strong marketability in recent years. AST reported $68 million of losses in the fourth qtr of 1996, with a total loss of $417.7 million for the year. The company's 1996 sales were $2.07 billion, a drop from 1995's sales of $2.35 billion. Samsung started investing in AST in 1995, it has spent millions of dollars on the company which had an reputation for excellent performance and quality in the 1980's. The computer maker has had a hard time adjusting and competing in the personal computer market of the 1990's.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Samsung Electronics Company Ltd., AST Research Inc., ASTA, Company Acquisition/Merger

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Apple has big increase in earnings; sales of Power Mac's are ahead of schedule. Apple earnings go up fourfold, at the low end of expectations
• Abstracts: Saying it has a future, Apple puts its past on the podium. Apple is hoping its founder can rediscover his old magic
• Abstracts: Apple Computer's pact with Pioneer marks first big vendor to clone Mac. Tight squeeze; Packard Bell is beset by new competition, customer complaints; home-PC pioneer borrowed under terms that put independence in doubt; market share is declining
• Abstracts: Microsoft savors major victory as pact on antitrust is reinstated by judges

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.