Takeover Rumors Shore Up Apple Stock

Apple Computer officials cautioned investors last week to expect a dip in stock prices due to lower-than-expected holiday PC sales. However, the stock closed with only a $3 decrease due to new rumors of the company's impending sale.

Analysts attribute the holding pattern to rumors of an Apple takeover that continue to incite investor speculation that a big deal is in the works.

In recent months, a number of unsubstantiated reports have surfaced that Apple is being sold--some said to IBM, others to Hewlett-Packard.