Following an independent investigation into the backdating of past stock option practices, Apple today restated past earnings, but cleared current executives of misconduct. Apple said it will record a non-cash charge of $84 million to compensate for improperly handled stock option grants made between 1997 and 2002. The company said after-tax profits would be lowered by $10 million for 2004, $7 million for 2005 and $4 million for 2006.
In delayed filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said a special committee of its board found that while Apple CEO Steve Jobs and other managers recommended or were aware of certain inaccurate grant dates, they did not financially benefit from them. Apple said it has “complete confidence” in the executive team.
“The special committee, its independent counsel and forensic accountants have performed an exhaustive investigation of Apple’s stock option granting practices,” said Al Gore, chair of the special committee, and Jerome York, chair of Apple’s Audit and Finance Committee, in a joint statement. “The board of directors is confident that the company has corrected the problems that led to the restatement, and it has complete confidence in Steve Jobs and the senior management team.”