Why Apple Critics Miss the Point About Tim Cook's Success

Apple's CEO Tim Cook faces criticism despite delivering massive returns for investors. But the numbers tell a different story.

Since Cook became CEO in August 2011, Apple stock has grown an incredible 2,323% (meaning a $100 investment would now be worth $2,423). The broader stock market (S&P 500 - a collection of 500 major U.S. companies) only grew 680% during the same period. This means Apple investors made more than three times what regular market investors made.

Some critics call this performance "anemic" (weak) because five other tech giants did even better. These companies are part of the "Magnificent Seven" - the nickname for the seven biggest tech stocks that dominate the market.

Here's what critics miss: • Beating the market by 3x is exceptional - very few CEOs achieve this • Apple became the world's most valuable company under Cook • The company successfully launched new products like Apple Watch and AirPods • Cook navigated major challenges including supply chain disruptions and regulatory battles

The article suggests that Apple's real innovation under Cook isn't just new gadgets - it's betting that hardware (physical devices) will be the best way to profit from artificial intelligence (AI), rather than just software.

As John Ternus prepares to potentially succeed Cook as CEO, investors can expect Apple to continue this hardware-focused strategy. Critics may keep complaining, but the results speak for themselves.

This is an AI-generated summary. Read the original article at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-is-what-critics-of-apple-and-tim-cook-get-dead-wrong-48fc56dc?mod=mw_rss_topstories