Apple chief shows still waters can run deep- and angry; barbs fly in a rare interview held to introduce a line of low-priced computers

Article Abstract:

Apple's Chairman and CEO Michael Spindler railed against rivals IBM, Packard Bell and Microsoft, and stated that Apple will gain market share during the Christmas season due to its superior products and lower prices. Spindler made his comments during a discussion with reporters about Apple's introduction of new Performa models. The new products are priced as much as 20% lower than previous Apple Performa models. This pricing strategy marks a significant change for Apple, which has traditionally refused to lower its prices to compete with the Intel-compatible market. Intel-based machines represent 80% of the PC market compared to Apple's less than 10% market share. Spindler stated that he is confident that its market share will rise, but doubts it will move above 10%. He contends that rivals such as Packard Bell Electronics Inc ship products in high volume at a low cost at the expense of quality. Spindler stated that he believes the introduction of Microsoft Windows 95 will help Apple increase market share.

Electronic computers, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Management, Planning, Computer industry, Software, Prices and rates, Marketing, AAPL, Interview, Company marketing practices, Company analysis, Company business planning, Company pricing policy, Apple Inc., Spindler, Michael H.

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Informix rides high-tech wave with Unix system

Article Abstract:

Informix Corp is on a roll. The maker of Unix-based data base management software has seen the per-share price of its stock jump from $1.31 in Jan 1992 to $38 in Apr 1993, adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock split. In 1st qtr FY 1993, Informix surpassed analysts' expectations by posting earnings of $11.5 million, or 34 cents per share, on revenue of $77 million. Informix and rivals such as Sybase Inc and Oracle Corp have benefited from a broad trend away from mainframe computers and toward Unix-based networks of microcomputers and workstations. Sales of Unix-based data base management software jumped 63 percent in 1992 to $1.2 billion. Some executives expect a five-fold increase over the next several years. However, some analysts already see signs of a possible shake-out; Ask Group Inc, for example, posted a 1st qtr 1993 loss.

Supply and demand, Database management systems, DBMS software, Company Profile, Informix Corp., IFMX, DBMS, Outlook, Market Analysis, Demand

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Autodesk shares skid as software firm makes disappointing earnings forecast

Article Abstract:

Autodesk Inc, one of the most consistent of computer software companies, causes a furious sell-off of its stock by announcing that it expects to report 4th qtr 1990 earnings below analysts' expectations. Autodesk states its net income for the quarter will be in the 50 to 55 cent a share range, with revenue about the same as its 3rd qtr 1990 results of $62.4 million. Most analysts had predicted net income of 63 to 65 cents a share with revenue of about $66 million. The news caused Autodesk's stock to lose 22.6 percent of its value, or $11.75 a share to close at $40.25. Analysts say that a chaotic conference call between Autodesk officials and analysts where the officials did a poor job of explaining the results abetted the stock's fall.

Profits, Autodesk Inc., ACAD, Stock markets, Computer Software Industry, Stock Market, Profit, Financial Report, Fourth Quarter

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