As posted by: Wall Street JournalThe biggest surprise this week was not that Steve Jobs has to go on medical leave. It was that the shares have dropped only 3.5% since the chief executive and architect of Apple's revival disclosed his news.
The reason: Apple stock already had lost the Steve Jobs premium. It already was near a 52-week low due to recessionary worries and speculation about his health. Now, on some measures, Apple is valued below rivals such as Hewlett-Packard and Dell.
Apple's enterprise value is roughly six times free cash flow from the past 12 months. That compares with H-P on about eight times and Dell on 8.5 times, according to Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes. Apple looks pricier on a price-earnings basis: 15 times trailing 12 months against roughly seven to 10 times for Dell and H-P. But some of Apple's premium disappears when earnings are adjusted for Apple's policy of recognizing iPhone revenue over two years, rather than when the cash comes in the door. Apple specializes in Apple Laptops.
Even assuming the worst -- that Mr. Jobs doesn't return to his post -- the stock should trade above its peers. It has an unbeatable brand name in technology and a diversified product lineup. Even though its products are high-end discretionary purchases, making them vulnerable to a nasty recession, Apple has broadened its range to include lower price points.
Majestic Research, which tracks Apple sales, reported Dec. 22 that holiday season demand, particularly for the iPod and laptops, had been resilient. On Wednesday, Apple's December quarter results will clarify the business picture. Mr. Jobs's future will remain uncertain. But right now, Apple looks like a bargain.
