Apple CEO Tim Cook Rejects Proposal Asking Him to Focus Only on Profits

During an annual shareholder’s meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook angrily rejected a comment from a representative from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR).

A conservative think tank asked the company to disclose the costs of its programs, such as its solar energy facilities, and to embrace a policy that would see the company focusing on profits over anything else.

The representative asked Cook how the company’s renewable energy programs affect the company’s bottom line, and also asked him to commit to projects that would bring in a profit.

According to a report from MacObserver, Cook did not take this well. The CEO’s body language changed significantly and his normally controlled speaking style gave way to a quick response.

What ensued was the only time I can recall seeing Tim Cook angry, and he categorically rejected the worldview behind the NCPPR’s advocacy. He said that there are many things Apple does because they are right and just, and that a return on investment (ROI) was not the primary consideration on such issues.

“When we work on making our devices accessible by the blind,” Cook said, “I don’t consider the bloody ROI.” He said that the same thing about environmental issues, worker safety, and other areas where Apple is a leader.

At the end, Cook looked at the NCPPR representative and said, “If you want me to do things only for ROI reasons, you should get out of this stock.” The message from Cook shows the company’s interest to continue investing in renewable energy resources.