5 Signs Steve Jobs' Absence Matters

(TheStreet) -- According to a recent customer survey, Apple AAPL fans aren't shaken by the prospects of CEO Steve Jobs' departure, but one flub could signal trouble, says an analyst. Last month, Jobs handed over the day-to-day operations to Apple COO Tim Cook. Jobs is taking his third medical leave in seven years as he gets treatment in the aftermath of pancreatic cancer in 2004. Unlike most companies, the fortunes of Apple seem tightly bound to its always-engaged co-founder and CEO, Jobs. Some folks say it's the No. 1 risk to Apple's success. The familiarity of the departure and the promise of new products coming down the pipeline later this year seem to give consumers "higher comfort" with Jobs' absence, according to RBC analyst Mike Abramsky, whose firm, along with ChangeWave, surveyed Apple customers. Of the 3,091 people questioned in the survey, 93% said they would continue to buy Apple products. That is an improvement from the 18% who said they were less inclined to buy Apple gear in 2008, the last time Jobs took a break. So, the near-term outlook for Apple seems strong, even as shareholders gather today at the company's annual meeting, seeking, among other things, the company's formal succession plan if Jobs doesn't return. Continue reading the article.