American Peanuts

Chapter 198: The limelight, the crucial vote

At 10:30 in the morning, at the beginning of the new fiscal year, Apple's shareholder meeting officially opened.

"As I mentioned at last year's shareholder meeting, the smartphone business will inject new growth points into the company. In fact, we have begun to change the entire industry."

"In just 74 days since its launch, the sales of IPHONE mobile phones have exceeded 100 million units. This is the fastest smartphone to reach 100 million sales so far. Look at the products of our competitors, Nokia, Blackberry, and Samsung, with bloated bodies. Single-touch resistive screen, pathetic computing power, there is no doubt that we are ahead of an era, and the next step will be a complete change. History will eventually be divided by the launch of the Apple mobile phone..."

"As for online music, iTunes downloads have exceeded the 400 million mark, creating income for more than 2008 million music industry workers. In addition, at the upcoming MacWorld[-], an epoch-making laptop computer will be launched on the market, which has so far The thinnest and lightest body, even only half the thickness of a coin. We will boldly use LED screens, which will bring significant effect improvement..."

On the stage, Jobs, wearing a black sweater and jeans, was talking.

Compared with the last time we met, his complexion was rosier and he even gained some weight.

"As I said when I released the mobile phone last year, the company's name will be officially changed from 'Apple Computer Company' to 'Apple Inc.' With the improvement of technology, the personal computer business will no longer grow at a high speed and will be replaced by the consumer electronics category. , we will also follow the trend of history..."

While listening to Jobs' opening remarks, Charlie flipped through the Apple financial report in his hand.

This financial report was released to the public a few days ago. It shows that Apple's operating income in fiscal year 2007 reached US$245.78 billion, a year-on-year increase of 78%, and its net profit was US$34.95 billion, a year-on-year increase of 55%.

You know, a few years ago, the company was still losing money.

No matter which angle you look at it, this is a gratifying achievement, but some people are not satisfied.

"The company's pricing is too high. You can buy a mobile phone for $500? Are you kidding? If the price is reduced, the sales figures will grow faster." Charlie, who was sitting on the upper floor, heard a muttering voice not far away. .

The voice was not deliberately lowered, and seemed to be intended to be heard by everyone present.

Charlie looked over and saw an old man with a white beard and a slicked back hair.

"James McRitchie is the representative of small and medium-sized shareholders. He often proposes proposals on corporate governance, board of directors elections, etc. at shareholders' meetings." Susan Wagner shook her head and whispered to Victoria beside her.

Although the voice was not lowered, the conference center was not small, and except for a few shareholders present, the rest of the people did not hear it.

At the same time, Jobs on the stage talked about plans for the next generation iPhone.

"We plan to update our products once a year and introduce new products in the third quarter of each year. The next generation iPhone will have two extremely important improvements. First, in terms of communication technology, we have reached an agreement with multiple operators to cooperate with the new generation of iPhone. Communication packages are sold in bundles, and relying on the advantages of sales channels, product sales will further increase."

"In addition, there is the creation of an ecosystem. Apple has the ultimate pursuit of quality and user experience, and has to maintain some persistence for this. Maybe outsiders think we are arrogant and closed, but that is not the reality. In the next generation IPONE will be equipped with Apple’s own app store, which is open to all developers and supports paid services. This will be a brand new business model.”

Board members heard these two news and whispered among themselves.

"When did he change his temper? This is not the Steve Jobs I know." Schmidt, the current Google CEO, said with a wry smile.

In his impression, Jobs has always been an extremely stubborn person, always retaining his persistence.

Sometimes this can be a good thing. For example, Apple's design style has always been avant-garde and bold. Even the most overlooked packaging has always adopted a Bauhaus design style, which will leave a distinct impression on users. , thereby helping Apple to subtly establish its brand influence.

But more often than not, it brings many unsatisfactory results to Apple.

As the first graphical processing interface for the consumer market, the Macintosh computer always rejected third-party applications in the early days and refused to port the system to computers produced by other manufacturers, which directly led to its defeat in the competition with Microsoft. The control system supremacy was ceded to competitors, ultimately causing Apple to experience a lost decade.

"He has already fallen once, and he has to learn a lesson. I think these two ideas are very good." Bill Campbell, the godfather of Silicon Valley, had a gratified smile on his face. He could feel the transformation that took place in Jobs.

But what Jobs said next shocked the two people in the audience.

"Regarding these two points, it comes from a friend of mine. I'm afraid you already know that the Silicon Valley Industrial Development Fund purchased a large number of shares in Apple. As the head of this fund, Mr. Charlie Rossi discussed with me I would like to give these two pieces of advice.”

“When I think about it afterwards, I think these two ideas are great, even amazing, so I chose to adopt them.”

"Oh, it seems I have to take back what I said before. I didn't expect that there would be someone in this world who could convince Steve Jobs." Schmidt shook his head slightly, and then felt a little incredible.

He was deeply touched by this. As a member of the board of directors, Schmidt had confronted Jobs many times on the board of directors, but every time he failed, there were even many times when Schmidt was dismissed by Jobs. persuade.What I couldn't do myself, I didn't expect this mysterious investor to solve it easily...

"That's because his proposal is good enough, let alone Steve Jobs... Even I didn't notice these two points. I'm somewhat curious about him." Campbell turned his head to look at the upper seat, looking for this young man .

Before the idea of ​​Apple's direct-operated retail stores was officially implemented, Jobs had discussed it with Campbell for a long time. As an expert in marketing, Campbell had given him many detailed suggestions.

"This young man is here right now. Let me see where he is." Jobs gestured and looked around.

Charlie suddenly felt a few eyes focused on him.

Especially Victoria next to her, she seemed surprised and curious.

"I didn't see it. When did you do Steve Jobs such a big favor?" She looked at Charlie with a serious look on her face.

I had only heard that he had founded a financial company and later worked in the entertainment industry. Well, let’s just say he was lucky.

But when did you start getting involved in the technology world again?
Reminiscent of his insistence on investing in Apple, it now seems that there is obviously some deep meaning.

Financial genius, entertainment tycoon, and now there is another technology tycoon...

Looking at the young man with various labels superimposed in front of her, Victoria became more and more confused about him.

Next to her, Susan Wagner was a little dumbfounded.

"It seems that Victoria has found a good helper." She thought to herself, looking at Charlie, her eyes suddenly became a little greedy.

Jobs on the stage finally found Charlie at this time, raised his hand and gestured to him: "Stand up, young man, let everyone look at you."

Charlie stood up helplessly, nodding towards the big guys around him and in the distance who were looking at him.

"Honestly speaking, I personally feel extremely lucky to have such a shareholder in Apple. He does not criticize the company, but provides vital help, unlike some people." Jobs on the stage sneered. Apparently directed at some of the people present.

"Let's applaud this young man, shall we? This is the praise this young man deserves." Jobs took the lead and started applauding.

Then came several Apple executives, and then the board of directors, and even James McRitchie reluctantly joined in the applause.

After Charlie sat down, Victoria next to him immediately came over.

"No wonder you said it was easy to get a board seat at Apple." She said belatedly.

"It's really in line with Steve Jobs's personal style to endorse me in this way." Charlie laughed.

Jobs deliberately mentioned himself at this time and allowed himself to stand up and steal the show in front of everyone. Naturally, it was to pave the way for himself and give himself a natural reason for joining the board of directors.

However, from another perspective, it can also prove that his current situation is worrying. If he really had full control of the company, he wouldn't have to spend so much trouble.

Sure enough, during the question-and-answer session, Jobs was criticized by many shareholders one after another.

The first is James McRitchie, who has proposed a number of proposals on corporate governance, board elections, etc.

"Apple is a listed company open to the public, not the feudal kingdom of Steve Jobs alone. I have a joint letter signed by 46 small and medium-sized shareholders, requesting that the selection process of the board of directors be redefined and that small and medium-sized shareholders be given more information. more voting rights, and gives company CEO Steve Jobs the limit of one-vote veto power on the charter.”

"This will lead to a bloated process, and obviously you don't have any discernment ability. I personally exercise veto power." Jobs immediately used his veto power to veto the proposal to limit his veto power.

Julie Goodrich, president of Northstar Asset Management Co., Ltd., has publicly criticized Apple's governance structure and proposed a series of proposals on corporate governance.

"The lead director must have the rights he deserves, instead of being sidelined like now. Apple is different from the past at this time, and investors don't want to see the company make the same mistakes again."

Carl Icahn, a well-known investor, has invested in Apple many times and had disputes with the company's board of directors.

"Additional board seats are also needed..."

Charlie and Victoria looked at each other, and it was obvious that both of them were aware of something fishy.

It stands to reason that when the company's performance is stable and improving, investors will not have so many demands.

If these people are really so unfavorable to Apple, they can just cash out and leave. Doing so will not bring any benefit to these people.

Unless... someone secretly promised something.

As for Jobs, he remained unmoved in the face of the accusations from these people. There was even contempt in his words. The rhythm of the question session was completely disrupted by these people, so that the scene seemed a bit chaotic, and many normal questions were somewhat drowned out.

In a blink of an eye, it was time for the adjournment lunch.

In the special restaurant for Apple employees, Charlie noticed that the previous few people were gathering together, but on Jobs' side, he was actually the only one.

Charlie and Victoria walked over together.

"The situation doesn't look good. Arthur Levinson came to me personally last night to inquire about my story. You don't know, right?" Charlie asked Jobs.

Jobs didn't show any surprise. Instead, he focused all his attention on the vegetarian plate in front of him. He said without raising his head: "Of course I know that he not only visited you, but also visited other major shareholders. In fact, he I watched every move he made.”

"Then why didn't you tell me in advance?"

Jobs raised his head and looked at Charlie: "Why should I tell you in advance? If you can really be persuaded by him, it will only prove that you are an idiot, and I will not associate with an idiot."

"What are your plans next? It seems like you don't take this seriously."

"Of course, I won't pay attention to these things. If Apple's instigation can be easily instigated or even kick me out, then there is no need for me to continue to stay here. This was the case when I left last time. I had already figured it out.”

"Young people, don't be so resistant. Many times what you can do is very limited. We have to let nature take its course." Jobs warned.

"Let nature take its course? Is this what you learned from the monks in India?" Charlie was a little anxious.

A high EQ is called letting nature take its course, and a low EQ is called playing badly.

It seemed that Jobs had no response at all, or even prepared to deal with it.

"So, complimenting me in public is the only thing you can do?"

"This is not a small gesture, but a statement of objective facts. Can you tell me that I'm lying in the slightest?"

Charlie looked at Victoria beside him, both of them were somewhat helpless.

"Looks like you found the wrong partner."

"That's right, entering the board of directors can only depend on our own efforts."

"But the voting for the new board of directors will start in less than half an hour, and what we can do is actually very limited." Victoria said helplessly.

The third part of the shareholders' meeting is to vote on a series of company articles of association, plus the election of new board members.

"No, we only need to find a few key targets." Charlie looked at Susan Wagner who had just walked out of the restaurant at this moment.

As a representative of an investment institution, she holds a very high voting weight, but she still knows Victoria.

"To be honest, you came here in person, but you helped me a lot by accident." Charlie sighed.

"If you do finally enter the board of directors, don't forget to thank me well." Victoria muttered and stood up, walking towards Susan Wagner.

Clearly, she was not referring to gratitude in the usual sense.

(End of this chapter)