Apple Acquisition Strategy: Tim Cook Talks Apple Cash and Einhorn Proposal

Apple Acquisition Strategy: Earlier today, we brought you a story about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook speaking at the Goldman Sachs’ Technology and Internet Conference about the Cupertino-based company’s acquisition strategy.

At the same conference, Cook had the chance to discuss numerous other details including what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) plans on doing with its more than $125 billion in cash. Along with this, he had the opportunity to touch a bit on Einhorn’s recent proposal to issue preferred stock to accelerate disbursements of dividends.

AppleInsider took the time to pull together Cook’s thoughts. Upon getting started, Cook let’s the audience know that the company does not have a “Depression Era” mentality. Here is what he had to say:

“Apple doesn’t have a Depression Era mentality. Apple makes bold and ambitious bets on product and we’re conservative financially.”

If nothing else, it appears that Cook is confident with where the company stands right now as well as its approach to the future.

“My definition of a Depression Era mentality wouldn’t be of a company investing a pair of tens over two years. To add to that fact, we’re returning $45 billion to shareholders through a combination of dividends and buybacks. I don’t know how a mentality with a depression-era mindset would have done all those things.

After that comment, the famous Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO addressed the issue of how much cash the company has and what this may mean to shareholders.

“Now, we do have a lot of cash. Last quarter alone the cash flow from operations was over $23 billion. It’s an incredible privilege where we can seriously consider returning additional cash to our shareholders. The management team and the board are in very active discussions. That’s what our shareholders want.”

Of course, the conversation soon turned to the Einhorn proposal that has been so widely discussed over the past couple of weeks. Here is what Cook had to say:

“I think it’s creative. We are going to thoroughly evaluate their proposal.”

As positive as that may sound, he was quick to follow it up with the fact that both sides are not exactly seeing eye to eye. He added:

“The disagreement centers around a proposal on Apple’s proxy, which we filed back in December. It’s about the rights of shareholders. It’s not about whether Apple returns additional cash to shareholders, it’s not about how much cash to return to shareholders, it’s not about any of those things.”

What are your thoughts on how Cook handled questions regarding Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s cash as well as the Einhorn proposal? Are you happy with his answers?

Check back here for more updates on Apple Acquisition Strategy.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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