Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world today, and the most valuable company in U.S. history, having been the first to exceed a 700 billion market cap as of February 2015. The company has been through many ups and down, almost having to declare bankruptcy in 1997 to becoming the success it is today, having been saved by a $150 million stock acquisition by none other than Microsoft. Apple attributes the bulk of its success and renewal of its brand worth with the launch of the iPod in 2001, and subsequently the release of the iPhone in 2007. By 2005 Apple had already sold 42 million iPods, by October 2008 that number had jumped to a staggering 197 million and then again to 275 million by September 2010. On October 26th, 2001 (just 3 days after the release of the iPod) Apple's stock was worth a mere $1.33 per share. On Feb. 20th, 2015 Apple's stock hit an all-time high of $129.50 per share. …show more content…
This is a significant improvement over last years fourth quarter results of $37.5 billion in revenue and net profit of $7.5 billion. (Apple) Apple has a total of 900.68 million shares outstanding with 893.92 million floating shares, meaning shares that are trading amongst the general public without restriction. The non-float shares are restricted and owned by Apple for distribution amongst it's employees and directors, generally as a bonus. For example, in 2014 Apple CEO Tim Cook made $9.2 million in salary; a number considered relatively low for the CEO of countries most valuable company, especially when compared to the eight-digit salaries of other companies' CEOs. (Colt) However, when his $100 million stock compensation is put into perspective his salary starts to make