What You Need to Know from Apple WWDC 2017

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Apple WWDC 2017

What You Need to Know from Apple WWDC 2017

Summary

• HomePod
• Augmented Reality
• iOS 11 with many improvements
• Siri improvement
• New macOS: High Sierra
• watchOS design changes
• New iPad Pro 10.5"
• MacBook refresh
• iMac refresh
• MacPro refresh
• iMac Pro upgrade to Apple's most powerful computer

About Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

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Amazon, Apple, Disney, Google Have Best Corporate Reputations

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Amazon.com Lands in Prime Spot Atop Reputation Rankings in 14th Annual Harris Poll RQ Study

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- While the overall perception of corporate America remains relatively grim, there were mixed signals to be found in the results of the 2013 Harris Poll RQ Study which engages over 14,000 members of the general public to measure the reputations of the sixty most visible companies in the country.

(Business Insider) Amazon has the best reputation of any company in the U.S., according to this year's Harris Interactive survey of 14,000 people. It just narrowly edged out Apple to take the top spot, making a big jump from its ranking last year.

Robert Fronk, EVP of Harris' Reputation Management service says in a release, "Our results show that Amazon has managed to build an intimate relationship with the public without being perceived as intrusive." (This sounds like a shot at other companies like Facebook.)

We'd also add that Amazon is a company that seems to be on your side. It makes cheap tablets, offers free shipping, and its Prime service a really great value. Apple, which is great for consumers, is still seen as a company with high prices trying to make loads of money. Amazon is seen as a better friend of the consumer on the value side.

Amazon.com Lands in Prime Spot Atop Reputation Rankings

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Android Dominates China Smartphone Market

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Android's share of the Chinese smartphone market ended the third quarter at 90 percent. According to Analysys International, Android's share is up from 83 percent a quarter prior and 58 percent a year ago.

With the Chinese market now accounting for a quarter of global smartphone shipments, Android's dominance there is driving its widening lead in global smartphone platform market share. In China, Android's gain has mostly come at the expense of Symbian, Nokia's antiquated platform that will eventually disappear as Nokia shifts its product offerings on to Windows Phone.

Interestingly, despite its dominance, Google only offers limited support for Google Play in China and Android apps are usually downloaded in third-party app markets.

Apple, meanwhile, has never really gained traction after a weak market entry on only one of the country's major providers. The iPhone 5 will be available on two carriers, but as of now will not be distributed by the largest carrier, China Mobile. Additionally, while many Chinese consumers may fawn over iPhones, they are simply out of reach financially for a substantial part of the market.

(Business Insider)

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Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Soften: Apple Dominates, HP Plunges

This is the technology sector reported financial performance going into the October earnings season.

Quarterly Net Income

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported quarterly aggregate net income of $14.8 billion, which is lower than the prior quarter $35.6 billion. This is a sequential QoQ decrease of -$20.8 billion and -58%! What happened? HP reported an epic quarterly net loss of -$8.9 billion, which offset the Apple quarterly net income of +$8.8 billion. Microsoft reported a rare quarterly net loss of -$492 million. Eight of the eleven companies reviewed reported a QoQ decrease in net income.

A net decrease is not unusual or unexpected as summer is typically a slower financial performance on an annual cyclical basis for the tech sector. But the huge HP and extraordinary Microsoft net losses created a plunge. The only three sequential QoQ increases were IBM (+$816 million) and Intel (+$89 million) and EMC (+$63 million).

For the latest quarters reported, Apple continues dominating with an incredible $8.82 billion quarterly net income. Second was IBM at $3.88 billion, third was Intel at $2.83 billion, and fourth was Google with $2.79 billion. Apple earned more than #2 IBM and #3 Intel combined.

The rest of the pack follows with #5 Oracle at $2.03 billion, #6 Cisco at $1.92 billion, #7 Qualcomm at $1.02 billion rounding out the Billion Dollar Club. Trailing are #8 EMC at $689 million and #9 Amazon at a mere $7 million. Further behind are #10 Microsoft at a dismal net loss of -$492 million and #11 HP with the aforementioned epic loss of -$8.86 billion. Apple comprises approximately 60% of the total quarterly net income of the 10 tech companies listed!



Return on Assets

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average return on assets of +12.29%, a multi-quarter low and -1.68% decrease from the prior quarter. Seven of the eleven companies reviewed reported decreases. The largest sequential QoQ decreases were HP (-8.564%), Microsoft (-6.42%), and Apple (-2.08%). The only significant sequential QoQ increase was Cisco (+0.65).

For the latest quarters reported, Best of Breed goes to Apple with a commanding and incredible lead of at +29.70% ROA. Apple is distantly followed by Intel (+17.61%), Qualcomm (+15.26%), and Google (+15.02%), and Microsoft (+14.95%). Next are #6 IBM (+14.30%), and #7 Oracle (+13.53%).

Significantly lagging the field are #8 Cisco at +9.01% and #9 EMC at +8.42%. Amazon is #10 and a much lower +1.82%. Finally, HP is last and #11 at a negative -4.44%.



I have included Amazon because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed.

Status Updated through Oracle quarterly financial results reported 9-20-12
Next reports: October earnings season

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Big Tech Assets Rise, Apple Reaches Record $163 Billion

This is the technology sector reported financial position going into the October earnings season.

Total Assets

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported all-time high aggregate total assets of $940 billion. This is a net increase of +$14 billion and +1.6% from the prior quarter. Apple led the way, and continues pulling away, with another incredible +$11.9 billion quarterly increase, followed by Google (+$8.9 billion), and Microsoft (+$3.3 billion). A huge decrease was reported by HP (-$10.1 billion), followed by Oracle (-$1.8 billion), and IBM (-$1.5 billion).

The $100 Billion Club: For the latest quarter reported, Apple continues #1 and largest at $162.9 billion. Microsoft moved up to #2 at $121.3 billion while HP slipped to third at $117.6 billion. IBM continues at #4 with $113.8 billion. Cisco is #5 at $91.8 billion.

The next group is #6 Google at $86.1 billion, #7 Oracle ($76.6 billion), and #8 Intel ($72.4 billion). Qualcomm and EMC are a more distance #9 and #10 at $42.4 billion and $35.0 billion, respectively. Amazon is last and #11 at $21.0 billion. I have included Amazon because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed.



Capital Ratio

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average capital to assets ratio of 54.53%, a slight decrease of -0.85% from the prior quarter. Six of the eleven companies reviewed reported increases, led by Intel (+2.3%) and followed by EMC (+0.85%) and Oracle (+0.84%). Google and Microsoft reported the largest decreases at -4.79% and -3.46%, respectively.

For the latest quarters reported, Qualcomm (77%) continues leading Google (75%) to have the strongest capital position. Apple is #3 at 69%, followed closely by Intel at 67%. Next are EMC, Cisco, Oracle, and Microsoft at 63%, 57%, 56%, and 55%, respectively. Amazon is 9th at 36%, followed by HP (27%) and finally IBM (18%) is last and #11.



Status
Updated through Oracle quarterly financial results reported 9-20-12
Next reports: October earnings season

Earnings Reviews

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Google vs Apple: The Amazing Maps Race!

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Google vs Apple: The Amazing Maps Race - Tech Tonic

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Stock Talk: Buy Apple or Google?

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Talking Numbers: Buy Apple or Google?

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Cramer: Apple vs. Google

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Cramer: Apple vs. Google

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Top 5 Laptops Under $600

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Dell Inspiron 17R

CNET Top 5 : Best Laptops Under $600

Don't call them netbooks. These inexpensive computers deliver the features of full-fledged laptops costing twice as much.

5) Lenovo ThinkPad X130e
4) Acer Aspire V5-171-6867
3) Sony Vaio E Series SVE11113FXW
2) HP Sleekbook 6
1) Dell Inspiron 17R

Overall Best Laptop, Any Price: Apple MacBook Pro

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Big Tech Profits Soften: HP, Microsoft, Amazon Plunge!

Net Income: Quarter over Quarter Change

The Largest USA Tech Companies reported softening profits from the prior quarter, which is not unusual this time of year on an annual cyclical basis. Only 3 of the 10 companies reviewed reported sequential quarterly increases (Oracle, IBM, Intel).

First, HP is not included in the chart below. HP, which is among the walking wounded, reported a disastrous quarter and a chart-busting -656% decrease in net income QoQ. HP reported a net loss of -$8.86 billion for their latest quarter, compared to net income of +$1.59 billion in the prior quarter. Including HP skews the chart and obscures the data.

Reporting net income increases quarter over quarter were Oracle (+38%), IBM (+27%), and Intel (+3%). Reporting a decrease in net income from the prior quarter were Google (-4%), Cisco (-11%), Apple (-24%), and Qualcomm (-46%). The Big Losers were Amazon (-95%), Microsoft (-110%), and the aforementioned HP (-656%). The second calendar quarter is typically slower and a quarterly drop for many tech companies in total revenues, net income, and earnings per share.



Net Income: Year over Year Change

The Largest USA Tech Companies reported more positive results from the prior year, compared to the prior quarter. 6 of the 10 companies reviewed reported YoY increases. Cisco (+56%) and Apple (+21%) led the way, followed by Qualcomm (+17%), Google (+11%),  Oracle (+8%), and IBM (+6%). The remainder lost ground and some lost huge territory. Intel (-4%), Amazon (-96%), Microsoft (-108%), and HP (-560%) reported decreases year over year.

HP is not included in the chart below. Including HP skews the chart and obscures the data.



Updated through HP quarterly financial results reported 8-22-12
Next reporting: Oracle in September

Big Tech Assets Rise, Apple Reaches Record $163 Billion

Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Plunge, But Apple Still Dominates

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Big Tech Assets Rise, Apple Reaches Record $163 Billion

Total Assets

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported all-time high aggregate total assets of $917 billion. This is a net increase of +$32 billion and +4% from the prior quarter. Apple led the way, and continues pulling away, with another incredible +$12 billion quarterly increase, followed by Google (+$9 billion), and Oracle (+$4 billion). The only decrease was reported by IBM (-$1.5 billion).

The $100 Billion Club: For the latest quarter reported, Apple continues #1 and largest at $162.9 billion. HP continues in second at $127.7 billion, followed by #3 Microsoft at $121.3 billion. IBM is #4 at $113.8 billion. Cisco is #5 at $91.2 billion. The next group is #6 Google at $86.1 billion, #7 Oracle ($78.3 billion), and #8 Intel ($72.4 billion). Qualcomm is a more distance #9 ($42.4 billion). Amazon is last and #10 at $21.0 billion. I have included Amazon because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed.



Capital Ratio

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average capital to assets ratio of 54.18%, a slight decrease of -0.45% from the prior quarter. Six of the ten companies reviewed reported increases, led by Intel (+2.3%) and HP (+1.4%). Google reported the largest decrease (-4.8%) followed by Microsoft (-3.5%).

For the latest quarters reported, Qualcomm (77%) has surpassed Google (75%) to have the strongest capital position. Apple is #3 at 69%, followed closely by Intel at 67%. Next are Cisco, Oracle, and Microsoft at 56%, 56%, and 55%, respectively. Amazon is 8th at 36%, followed by HP (33%) and finally IBM (18%) is last and #10.



Status
Updated through Amazon quarterly financial results reported 7-26-12
Next reports: Cisco (August 15), HP (August 22)

Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Plunge, But Apple Still Dominates

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Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Plunge, But Apple Still Dominates

Quarterly Net Income

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported quarterly aggregate net income of $26.3 billion, which is lower than the prior quarter $33.9 billion. This is a sequential QoQ decrease of -$7.68 billion and -23%. Six of the ten companies reviewed reported a QoQ decrease in net income. The net decrease is not too unusual or unexpected as the second quarter of the calendar year is typically a slower financial performance on an annual cyclical basis. The largest sequential QoQ increases were Oracle (+$953 million) and IBM (+$816 million) and HP (+$125 million). The largest sequential QoQ decreases were by Microsoft (-$5.60 billion), Apple (-$2.80 billion), and Qualcomm (-$1.02 billion).

For the latest quarters reported, Apple continues dominating with an incredible $8.82 billion quarterly net income. Second was IBM at $3.88 billion and third was Oracle at $3.45 billion, combined less than half of Apple. The rest of the pack follows with #4 Intel at $2.83 billion, #5 Google at $2.79 billion, #6 Cisco at $2.17 billion, #7 HP at $1.59 billion, and #8 Qualcomm at $1.21 billion. Trailing are #9 Amazon at a mere $7 million and #10 Microsoft at a dismal net loss of -$492 million. I have included Amazon because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed. Apple comprises approximately 34% of the total quarterly net income of the 10 tech companies listed!



Return on Assets

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average return on assets of +13.45%, a multi-quarter low and -1.13% decrease from the prior quarter of +14.58%. Eight of the ten companies reviewed reported decreases. Amazon and HP dragged the average down the most. The 2 sequential QoQ increases were Cisco (+0.24%) and IBM (+0.17%). The largest sequential QoQ decreases were Microsoft (-6.42%), Apple (-2.08%), and Amazon (-1.00%).

For the latest quarters reported, Best of Breed goes to Apple with a commanding and incredible lead of at +29.70% ROA. Apple is distantly followed by Intel (+17.61%), Qualcomm (+15.26%), and Google (+15.02%). Next are #5 Microsoft (+14.95%), #6 IBM (+14.30%), and #7 Oracle (+13.38%). Significantly lagging the field are #8 Cisco at +8.36% and #9 HP at a much lower +4.12%. Retail-oriented Amazon is last and #10 at a sinking +1.82%.



Updated through Amazon quarterly financial results reported 7-26-12
Next reports: Cisco (August 15), HP (August 22)

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Big Tech Assets Rise, Apple Surges to $151 Billion

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported aggregate total assets of $888 billion, which is the highest in the 5 quarters reviewed and an all-time high. This is a net increase of +$25 billion and +3% from the prior quarter. Apple led the way with a strong +$12 billion increase, followed by Microsoft (+$6 billion), Google (+$5 billion), and Qualcomm (+$4 billion). The only decreases were reported by Amazon (-$5 billion) and IBM (-$1 billion).

The $100 Billion Club: For the latest quarter reported, Apple continues #1 and largest at $150.9 billion. HP continues in second at $127.7 billion, followed by #3 Microsoft at $118.0 billion. IBM dropped to #4 at $115.3 billion. Next is #5 Cisco at $91.2 billion. The next group are #6 Google at $77.1 billion, which surpassed now #7 Oracle ($74.4 billion). Intel continues at #8 ($71.8 billion) followed by #9 Qualcomm ($41.5 billion). Amazon is last and #10 at $20.3 billion. I have included Amazon because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed.



The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average capital to assets ratio of 54.89%, a +1.39% increase from the prior quarter. The net increase was led by Amazon (+5%) and Apple (+3%). Only Google reported a decrease and this was negligible (-0.12%). For the latest quarters reported, Google continues leading with the strongest capital of 80%, followed by Qualcomm at 77%. Apple is #3 at 68%, followed closely by Intel at 65%. Next are Oracle, Microsoft, and Cisco at 58%, 58%, and 56%, respectively. Amazon is 8th at 36%, followed by HP (33%) and finally IBM (18%).




Status Updated through HP quarterly financial results reported 5-23-12

Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Slip, Apple Dominates

Big Tech Market Cap: Apple Larger Than Microsoft and IBM Combined!

Big Tech Profits Increase: Qualcomm, Apple, Google Lead Surge

Largest USA Tech Companies Earnings Slip, Apple Dominates

The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported quarterly aggregate net income of $33.9 billion, which is lower than the prior quarter $37.4 billion. This is a sequential QoQ decrease of -$3.5 billion and -9.4%. The net decrease is not unusual or unexpected as the first quarter of the calendar year is typically lower than the  prior fourth quarter (Holiday) results on an annual cyclical basis. The largest sequential QoQ increases were HP (+$1.2B) and Qualcomm (+$829 million). The largest sequential QoQ decreases were by IBM (-$2.43 billion), Microsoft (-$1.52 billion), Apple (-$1.44 billion), and Intel (-$622 million).

For the latest quarters reported, Apple leads with an incredible $11.62 billion. Second is Microsoft at $5.11 billion, less than half of Apple. These top two are followed by #3 IBM at $3.07 billion. The rest of the pack follows with #4 Google at $2.89 billion, #5 Intel at $2.74 billion, #6 Oracle at $2.50 billion, #7 Qualcomm at $2.23 billion, and #8 Cisco at $2.17 billion. Trailing are #9 HP at $1.47 billion and #10 Amazon at a mere $130 million. I have included because of the Kindle Fire, streaming, cloud services, and the resulting competition with others listed. Apple comprises 34% of the total quarterly net income of the 10 tech companies listed!



The Largest USA Tech Companies have reported an average return on assets of +14.61%, a +0.19% increase from the prior quarter of 14.42%. Amazon and HP dragged the average down. The largest sequential QoQ increases were Qualcomm (+2.62%), Apple (+1.44%) and Google (+0.75%). The largest sequential QoQ decreases were Microsoft (-1.18%), Intel (-1.09%), and HP (-0.93%).

For the latest quarters reported, Best of Breed goes to Apple with a commanding and incredible lead of at +31.78% ROA, followed by Microsoft at 21.37% and Intel at 18.14%. Next are #4 Google 15.76%, #5 Qualcomm 15.51%, #6 IBM 14.13%, and #7 Oracle 13.44%. Significantly lagging the field are #8 Cisco 8.36% and #9 HP at a dismal 4.74%. Retail-oriented Amazon is last and #10 at +2.82%.



Updated through Cisco quarterly financial results reported 5-9-12
Next reports: HP (May 23), Oracle (June)

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Top 5 Best Laptops: design, performance, price review

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Apple MacBook Pro

Top 5 Best Laptops

#5 Samsung Series 9

#4 HP Pavilion DM4 3090 Beats Edition

#3 Samsung Series 7

#2 HP Envy 15

#1 Apple MacBook Pro

CNET Top 5: Best Laptops We have the best all-around laptops that aren't trendy ultrabooks or wimpy Netbooks!

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