Executive Summary of Apple
Technology company in American
Apple
Corporation is among the largest organizations in the world. It is an American
corporation whose headquarter quarter is situated in California USA. Apple
Corporation provides computer software, online services, consumer electronics,
and other devices to its customers. The iPhone is one of the most selling
products of the corporation. Meeting the challenge of managing uncertainty is a
tough task. The uncertainty can have a huge impact on the profitability,
performance, and overall efficiency of the organization. Managing uncertainty
is important because if the organization is not going to manage uncertainty
than there is a chance that the corporation might experience a financial loss.
There are various ways through which the corporation can manage its
uncertainty. Through analysis of the profitability ratios, it can be seen how
the corporation is utilizing its assets for generating earnings. Through
profitability ratios, a quick overview of the organization’s financial
performance can be obtained. The profitability ratios are indicating that the
organization is utilizing its assets effectively for generating profit. The net
profit margin in the year 2019 was 21.24 which shows that the corporation is
generating a good amount of profit. Through profitability ratios, it is clear
that the organization has to manage uncertainty efficiently.
Table
of Contents
Executive Summary. 1
Introduction. 2
Uncertainties Faced by Apple
corporation. 3
Environment Level 3
Economic Uncertainties. 3
Regulatory and political
uncertainties. 4
Industry Level 4
Market uncertainty. 4
Competition Risk. 4
How Apple Manages Uncertainties. 5
Successful leadership. 5
Technology. 5
Innovation. 5
Critical analysis of Apple’s
uncertainty management 6
Profitability. 6
Liquidity. 7
Efficiency. 8
Financial Leverage. 9
Conclusion. 10
References
Introduction of Apple Technology company in
American
Apple Corporation is
among the largest organizations in the world. It is an American corporation
whose headquarter quarter is situated in California USA. Apple Corporation
provides computer software, online services, consumer electronics, and other
devices to its customers. The iPhone is one of the most selling products of the
corporation. Apple Inc. is among the largest technology companies in the world.
Apple organization has its presence in different countries around the world.
The products of the corporation are unique and innovative and that’s why the
organization charge premium price from its customers. Over the years the organization
has experienced significant growth. Apple Company has many loyal customers.
Meeting the challenge of
managing uncertainty is a tough task. The uncertainty can have a huge impact on
the profitability, performance, and overall efficiency of the organization. Managing
uncertainty is important because if the organization is not going to manage
uncertainty than there is a chance that the corporation might experience a financial
loss. There are various ways through which the corporation can manage its uncertainty.
Usually, the organizations manage uncertainty through strong leadership,
technology, innovation, and through various uncertainty management strategies.
Apple Corporation faces uncertainty as well and the management of the
organization takes various initiatives to manage the uncertainty effectively.
Uncertainties Faced by Apple corporation
There are many types of
uncertainties that the apple corporation faces on a routine basis. However,
some of the major uncertainties which are faced by the organization are
mentioned in this paper (Valentin, 2014). The uncertainties which the
organization faces are categorized into two categories which include
environmental level uncertainties and industry level uncertainties. Both types
of uncertainties are discussed in detail below:
Environment Level of Apple Technology company in
American
The environmental level
uncertainties are mentioned below:
Economic Uncertainties of Apple Technology
company in American
The uncertainty in the
global economic environment can cause huge problems for the organization. If
the economic condition around the world is not stable than the demand for the
products and services of the organization can decrease which will ultimately
decrease the revenue and profit of the corporation. The other economic
uncertainties such as an increase in the tax rate, inflation rate, and the unemployment
rate can affect the sales of the company. The changes in economic factors
cannot only lead to a decrease in revenue but also the cost of the corporation
can increase up to a lot of extents. It is important for the organization to
create such strategies through which economic uncertainties can be managed
efficiently (Spender, 2014).
Regulatory and political uncertainties of Apple
Technology company in American
The political
uncertainties are also a major challenge for the organization. As Apple Corporation
has a presence in different countries around the world the political
uncertainties can have a significant impact on the corporation’s performance.
The governments of different countries create various rules and regulations for
managing corporations. Some rules are infamous of the industries while some
rules can have an impact on the sales of the corporation. The political
instability in different countries can also be an issue for the sales of the
products/ services of the company. The political uncertainties can be mitigated
through proper strategies (Anon., 2018).
Industry Level of Apple Technology company in
American
The industry level
uncertainties are mentioned below:
Market uncertainty of Apple Technology company
in American
The market uncertainty can become an issue for the company.
The company has to analyze the market trends before launching its products. If
the corporation is not going to analyze the market trend than financial loss
can occur (Nijaki & Worrel, 2012).
Competition Risk of Apple Technology company in
American
The competition in the
market is quite higher for the apple corporation. There are many companies in
the world that are creating computer hardware and software along with consumer
electronics. Therefore gaining a competitive edge over the competitors is
highly necessary for Apple Corporation (GOVINDARAJAN, 2007).
How Apple Manages Uncertainties
Successful leadership of Apple Technology
company in American
Successful leadership is
highly important for managing uncertainty. The top management is the one who is
responsible for taking various decisions. The leadership of Apple Corporation
takes such decisions that help the company to counter the uncertainties that
exist in the market (Wang, et al., 2010). The leadership of Apple Corporation
guides its employees to perform research and development so that it can know
what the customers are looking for and how their needs can be fulfilled. Under
the successful leadership apple corporation has achieved success over the last
few decades and it can be said that leadership has made Apple Corporation one
of the largest technology corporations (Kourdi, 2015).
Technology of Apple Technology company in
American
The technology has no
doubt one of the biggest reason which made Apple Corporation among the largest
technology company. The organization pays to focus on research and development
and bring such features in its products which other organizations do not
provide. Not only the design of the products are unique but also it contains
such features which customer does not found anywhere else. So whatever the
market condition is if the customers want these features than they would
definitely have to purchase the products of apple. In short, technology has
helped the company to overcome the barrier of uncertainty (Campbel, et al., 2011).
Innovation of Apple Technology company in
American
As discussed earlier the technology
and innovation have played an important role in the success of the corporation.
Through innovation, apple has provided unique products to the customers which
created customer loyalty. The organization has generated a significant amount
of customer loyalty and their loyal customer only prefer Apple products no
matter what the circumstances are. Apple's strong brand image also plays an important
rule in increasing the sales of the company. Through innovative products, the
corporation has differentiated itself from the rest of the competitors and
mitigated the risk of competition up to a lot of extents (Simons, 2011).
Critical analysis of Apple’s uncertainty management
Profitability
Key Ratios -> Profitability
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Margins % of Sales
|
2010-09
|
2011-09
|
2012-09
|
2013-09
|
2014-09
|
2015-09
|
2016-09
|
2017-09
|
2018-09
|
2019-09
|
TTM
|
Revenue
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
COGS
|
60.62
|
59.52
|
56.13
|
62.38
|
61.41
|
59.94
|
60.92
|
61.53
|
61.66
|
62.18
|
61.89
|
Gross Margin
|
39.38
|
40.48
|
43.87
|
37.62
|
38.59
|
40.06
|
39.08
|
38.47
|
38.34
|
37.82
|
38.11
|
SG&A
|
8.46
|
7.02
|
6.42
|
6.34
|
6.56
|
6.13
|
6.58
|
6.66
|
6.29
|
7.01
|
7.15
|
R&D
|
2.73
|
2.24
|
2.16
|
2.62
|
3.3
|
3.45
|
4.66
|
5.05
|
5.36
|
6.23
|
6.49
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Margin
|
28.19
|
31.22
|
35.3
|
28.67
|
28.72
|
30.48
|
27.84
|
26.76
|
26.69
|
24.57
|
24.48
|
Net Int Inc & Other
|
0.24
|
0.38
|
0.33
|
0.68
|
0.54
|
0.55
|
0.63
|
1.2
|
0.75
|
0.69
|
0.56
|
EBT Margin
|
28.42
|
31.6
|
35.63
|
29.35
|
29.26
|
31.03
|
28.46
|
27.96
|
27.45
|
25.27
|
25.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profitability
|
2010-09
|
2011-09
|
2012-09
|
2013-09
|
2014-09
|
2015-09
|
2016-09
|
2017-09
|
2018-09
|
2019-09
|
TTM
|
Tax Rate %
|
24.42
|
24.22
|
25.16
|
26.15
|
26.13
|
26.37
|
25.56
|
24.56
|
18.34
|
15.94
|
14.72
|
Net Margin %
|
21.48
|
23.95
|
26.67
|
21.67
|
21.61
|
22.85
|
21.19
|
21.09
|
22.41
|
21.24
|
21.35
|
Asset Turnover (Average)
|
1.01
|
1.13
|
1.07
|
0.89
|
0.83
|
0.89
|
0.7
|
0.66
|
0.72
|
0.74
|
0.81
|
Return on Assets %
|
21.72
|
27.07
|
28.54
|
19.34
|
18.01
|
20.45
|
14.93
|
13.87
|
16.07
|
15.69
|
17.28
|
Financial Leverage (Average)
|
1.57
|
1.52
|
1.49
|
1.68
|
2.08
|
2.43
|
2.51
|
2.8
|
3.41
|
3.74
|
4.09
|
Return on Equity %
|
37.06
|
41.67
|
42.84
|
30.64
|
33.61
|
46.25
|
36.9
|
36.87
|
49.36
|
55.92
|
62.09
|
Return on Invested Capital %
|
36.44
|
41.04
|
42.01
|
26.08
|
26.2
|
31.32
|
21.95
|
19.86
|
24.41
|
25.75
|
27.66
|
Interest Coverage
|
|
|
|
369.79
|
140.28
|
99.93
|
43.15
|
28.59
|
23.5
|
19.38
|
21.85
|
Source: (Morningstar,
2020)
Through analysis of the
profitability ratios, it can be seen how the corporation is utilizing its
assets for generating earnings. Through profitability ratios, a quick overview
of the organization’s financial performance can be obtained. The profitability
ratios are indicating that the organization is utilizing its assets effectively
for generating profit. The net profit margin in the year 2019 was 21.24 which shows
that the corporation is generating a good amount of profit. Through
profitability ratios, it is clear that the organization has to manage
uncertainty efficiently. The organization sales have grown over the years which
is a sign that the corporation is taking ration decisions regarding the
management of uncertainty (Fridson & Alvarez, 2011).
The ROE ratio in the year
2010 was 36.44 which grew significantly over the years and reached 55.92 in the
year 2019. The ROA ratio however has shown a downward trend over the years.
Overall it can be said that the corporation has managed uncertainties quite
efficiently and it is reflecting from the financial performance of the
organization.
Liquidity of Apple Technology company in American
Liquidity/Financial Health
|
2010-09
|
2011-09
|
2012-09
|
2013-09
|
2014-09
|
2015-09
|
2016-09
|
2017-09
|
2018-09
|
2019-09
|
Latest Qtr
|
Current Ratio
|
2.01
|
1.61
|
1.5
|
1.68
|
1.08
|
1.11
|
1.35
|
1.28
|
1.12
|
1.54
|
1.49
|
Quick Ratio
|
1.72
|
1.35
|
1.24
|
1.4
|
0.82
|
0.89
|
1.22
|
1.09
|
0.99
|
1.38
|
1.3
|
Financial Leverage
|
1.57
|
1.52
|
1.49
|
1.68
|
2.08
|
2.43
|
2.51
|
2.8
|
3.41
|
3.74
|
4.09
|
Debt/Equity
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
0.26
|
0.45
|
0.59
|
0.73
|
0.87
|
1.01
|
1.14
|
Source: (Morningstar,
2020)
The liquidity ratios of
the corporation indicate whether the corporation has enough cash for the
payment of its short term obligations or not. The liquidity ratios include the current
ratio and quick ratio. If the liquidity ratios of Apple Corporation are
analyzed then it can be said that the corporation has maintained enough cash
from which it can pay its short term obligations. The current ratio in the year
2012 was 1.50 which grow over the years and become 1.54 in the year 2019. The
quick ratio was 0.14 in the year 2013 which become 1.01 in the year 2019.
Through liquidity ratios,
it can be said that the organization has managed uncertainties efficiently and
as a result, the corporation has generated a significant amount of cash. If the
organization failed to manage uncertainty than the corporations financials might
show a different picture. The strong financial position of the corporation is a
sign that the uncertainty managing strategies of the corporation are quite
effective and helping the corporation to sustain for a longer period of time. Managing
uncertainty is important for a strong financial position and competing with
competitors who are present in the market (Fridson & Alvarez, 2011).
Efficiency of Apple Technology company in
American
Key Ratios -> Efficiency Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Efficiency
|
2010-09
|
2011-09
|
2012-09
|
2013-09
|
2014-09
|
2015-09
|
2016-09
|
2017-09
|
2018-09
|
2019-09
|
TTM
|
Days Sales Outstanding
|
24.82
|
18.34
|
19.01
|
25.66
|
30.51
|
26.79
|
27.59
|
26.77
|
28.21
|
32.35
|
20.98
|
Days Inventory
|
6.95
|
5.17
|
3.26
|
4.37
|
6.3
|
5.81
|
6.22
|
9.04
|
9.82
|
9.09
|
9.04
|
Payables Period
|
81.3
|
75.48
|
74.38
|
74.54
|
85.45
|
85.57
|
101.11
|
111.72
|
116.95
|
115.2
|
69.17
|
Cash Conversion Cycle
|
-49.53
|
-51.96
|
-52.13
|
-44.5
|
-48.64
|
-52.97
|
-67.29
|
-75.91
|
-78.92
|
-73.76
|
-39.15
|
Receivables Turnover
|
14.71
|
19.9
|
19.2
|
14.22
|
11.96
|
13.62
|
13.23
|
13.63
|
12.94
|
11.28
|
17.4
|
Inventory Turnover
|
52.51
|
70.53
|
112.12
|
83.45
|
57.94
|
62.82
|
58.64
|
40.37
|
37.17
|
40.13
|
40.36
|
Fixed Assets Turnover
|
16.89
|
17.26
|
13.48
|
10.67
|
9.82
|
10.85
|
8.71
|
7.54
|
7.07
|
6.61
|
7.18
|
Asset Turnover
|
1.01
|
1.13
|
1.07
|
0.89
|
0.83
|
0.89
|
0.7
|
0.66
|
0.72
|
0.74
|
0.81
|
Source: (Morningstar,
2020)
The efficiency ratios of
the organization provide information about how the organization is managing its
assets. The efficiency ratios are also known as asset management ratios. Through
these ratios, it can be known how efficiently the organization is utilizing its
assets for generating sales. Through efficiency ratios of Apple Corporation, it
is clear that the organization is utilizing its assets efficiently for
generating sales. the sales of the years have experienced a significant amount
of growth that indicates that the organization is not only using its assets
effectively but also managed certainty up to a lot of extents (Pandey, 2015).
The asset turnover ratio
of the organization was 1.01 in the year2010 which become 0.74 in the year
2019. The fixed asset turnover ratio was 16.89 in the year 2010 which reached
up to 6.61 in the year 2019. Through these ratios, it is clear that the
organization’s efficiency has declined over the years. The declining efficiency
of the corporation should be a matter of concern for the manager. The
organization should take steps to increase the efficiency of the corporation. When
the organization is going to utilize its asset more efficiently than the
revenue of the company will also increase as a result (Fridson & Alvarez, 2011).
Financial Leverage of Apple Technology company
in American
Key Ratios -> Financial Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Items (in %)
|
2010-09
|
2011-09
|
2012-09
|
2013-09
|
2014-09
|
2015-09
|
2016-09
|
2017-09
|
2018-09
|
2019-09
|
Latest Qtr
|
Cash & Short-Term Investments
|
34.08
|
22.3
|
16.54
|
19.59
|
10.82
|
14.32
|
20.88
|
19.76
|
18.13
|
29.71
|
29.35
|
Accounts Receivable
|
13.2
|
10.07
|
10.62
|
9.97
|
11.74
|
10.45
|
9.11
|
9.5
|
13.4
|
13.53
|
9.57
|
Inventory
|
1.4
|
0.67
|
0.45
|
0.85
|
0.91
|
0.81
|
0.66
|
1.29
|
1.08
|
1.21
|
1.04
|
Other Current Assets
|
6.76
|
5.62
|
5.14
|
4.99
|
6.09
|
5.19
|
2.57
|
3.71
|
3.3
|
3.65
|
4.9
|
Total Current Assets
|
55.44
|
38.66
|
32.75
|
35.4
|
29.56
|
30.77
|
33.22
|
34.28
|
35.91
|
48.1
|
44.87
|
Net PP&E
|
6.34
|
6.68
|
8.78
|
8.02
|
8.9
|
7.74
|
8.4
|
9
|
11.29
|
11.04
|
11.2
|
Intangibles
|
1.44
|
3.81
|
3.04
|
2.78
|
3.78
|
3.1
|
2.68
|
2.14
|
|
|
|
Other Long-Term Assets
|
36.78
|
50.85
|
55.43
|
53.8
|
57.77
|
58.39
|
55.7
|
54.59
|
52.79
|
40.86
|
43.93
|
Total Assets
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
Accounts Payable
|
15.98
|
12.57
|
12.03
|
10.81
|
13.02
|
12.22
|
11.59
|
13.07
|
15.28
|
13.66
|
10.12
|
Short-Term Debt
|
|
|
|
|
2.72
|
3.79
|
3.61
|
4.92
|
5.67
|
4.8
|
6.37
|
Taxes Payable
|
0.28
|
0.98
|
0.87
|
0.58
|
0.52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued Liabilities
|
1.54
|
1.58
|
1.45
|
2.06
|
2.8
|
8.67
|
6.85
|
6.86
|
|
|
|
Other Short-Term Liabilities
|
9.76
|
8.9
|
7.54
|
7.65
|
8.31
|
3.08
|
2.51
|
2.01
|
11
|
12.77
|
13.5
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
27.56
|
24.04
|
21.89
|
21.09
|
27.37
|
27.75
|
24.56
|
26.86
|
31.95
|
31.23
|
29.99
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
|
8.19
|
12.5
|
18.41
|
23.45
|
25.9
|
25.63
|
27.12
|
27.8
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities
|
8.87
|
10.13
|
10.97
|
11.03
|
12.02
|
12.76
|
12.12
|
11.52
|
13.12
|
14.92
|
17.73
|
Total Liabilities
|
36.43
|
34.16
|
32.86
|
40.31
|
51.89
|
58.91
|
60.13
|
64.28
|
70.7
|
73.27
|
75.52
|
Total Stockholders' Equity
|
63.57
|
65.84
|
67.14
|
59.69
|
48.11
|
41.09
|
39.87
|
35.72
|
29.3
|
26.73
|
24.48
|
Total Liabilities & Equity
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
Source: (Morningstar,
2020)
The financial leverage
ratios show how much resources the organization has to pay its long term
obligations. The organization finances its activities with debt and equity
financing. Together they make up the capital structure of the organization. The
capital structure of the organization is to consider optimum or best when the
cost of capital is lower. The optimum capital structure occurs when there is 60%
equity and 40% debt. Apple Corporation has financed its assets from both equity
and debt financing. If the financial leverage ratios of the organization are
analyzed then it can be said that the organization's debt condition is stable (Chandra, 2011).
The corporation has
enough cash or resources from which it can pay its long term debt. However, the
rising debt condition of the organization should be a matter of concern for the
management. Too much debt will create risk for the organization. Paying back
too much debt can become difficult for the organization in the near future.
That is why it is recommended for the corporation to finance its assets from equity
in the near future. If the over the financial condition of the company is
analyzed then it can be said that the company’s financial position is strong
which clearly indicates that the company is managing uncertainties quite
effectively.
Conclusion of Apple Technology company in
American
It is concluded that the
uncertainty in the global economic environment can cause huge problems for the
organization. If the economic condition around the world is not stable than the
demand for the products and services of the organization can decrease which
will ultimately decrease the revenue and profit of the corporation. The other
economic uncertainties such as an increase in the tax rate, inflation rate, and
unemployment rate can affect the sales of the company. The changes in economic
factors cannot only lead to a decrease in revenue but also the cost of the
corporation can increase up to a lot of extents. It is important for the
organization to create such strategies through which economic uncertainties can
be managed efficiently. Successful leadership is highly important for managing
uncertainty. The top management is the one who is responsible for taking
various decisions. The leadership of Apple Corporation takes such decisions that
help the company to counter the uncertainties that exist in the market. The
leadership of Apple Corporation guides its employees to perform research and
development so that it can know what the customers are looking for and how
their needs can be fulfilled. Under the successful leadership apple corporation
has achieved success over the last few decades and it can be said that
leadership has made Apple Corporation one of the largest technology corporations.
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American
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