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Apple shareholders say no to environmental measures

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The Associated Press

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: APPL) shareholders have rejected two proposals that sought to force the computer company to do more to analyze its impact on the environment.

One proposal would have asked Apple to produce a detailed environmental sustainability report. The other called for a board committee focused on sustainability. Apple had opposed the measures and said Thursday at its annual shareholder meeting that investors had rejected the proposals. It did not give voting percentages.

CEO pointed to several steps he said the company is taking, such as getting suppliers to make products with nontoxic materials and reducing waste by cutting down on extraneous packaging.

Jobs said Thursday that he thinks Apple is better off keeping that money stockpiled.

At the company's annual meeting, one shareholder asked Jobs whether the company would use some of its hoard to pay a dividend. Jobs didn't seem keen on the idea, saying the cash gives Apple "tremendous security and flexibility."

If Apple decides to acquire another company, it can do so by writing a check instead of borrowing money, he said.

"Who knows what's around the next corner?" he said.

Apple executives also said they have ambitious plans to expand in China: They expect to open as many as 25 retail stores in the country in the next two years. Apple's first store in China opened in Beijing in 2008.

Jobs, a survivor of pancreatic cancer who was on medical leave during last year's annual meeting, was on stage at Apple headquarters Thursday in his standard uniform of a black turtleneck, blue jeans and wire-rimmed glasses. Looking thin and unshaven, he nodded appreciatively in response to shareholders who said they were glad he was back.

Earlier Thursday, Apple said it has sold 10 billion songs from the iTunes Store since it opened in 2003, cementing its position as the world's largest music retailer.

The 10 billionth song was "Guess Things Happen That Way" by Johnny Cash, bought by Louie Sulcer of Woodstock, Ga. He will receive a $10,000 gift card.

The music store sold around 25 million tracks in 2003. Three years later, it surpassed the 1 billion mark.
 

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