Apple (AAPL): One Scare Too Many; Downgrading to Perform - Oppenheimer

From Notable Calls

Oppenheimer is out downgrading Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) to Market Perform from Outperform saying they don't know why Steve Jobs has pulled out of his annual address at Macworld on January 6. Maybe he's not feeling well, or maybe he just has nothing new to say. Whatever the reason, the unexpected announcement has underscored the greatest risk to Apple's long-term success—its dependence on Jobs' health and its apparent lack of a succession plan.

Six months have passed since Jobs appeared at the Apple Developer Conference, looking drawn and unwell. It's past time for Apple to either disclose the state of his health or elaborate a viable plan for eventually transferring power. Until such time, they can no longer continue to recommend Apple as a long-term investment. Downgrading to Perform; and removing $145 PT.

Notablecalls: This call I think will generate some serious debate about Jobs' health. It sure takes a set of cojones to come out with a downgrade like this one.

I see more downside to AAPL stock in the n-t.

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