Tim Cook

Profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs. The head of a typical public company made $9.6 million in 2011, according to an analysis by the AP using data from Equilar, an executive pay research firm.

Given the sluggish recovery and a strapped consumer, you'd expect to see corporate America trudging along, not racing for glory. In fact, the Fortune 500 are thriving as a group.

After Google announced its stock split last week, there may be a bit more pressure on Apple to consider a split of its own pricey shares. We break down what that would mean for investors, and whether it makes sense for the tech giant.

Everyone knows that Apple under Steve Jobs performed wonderfully. But if you ask employees, the Mac maker is doing even better with Tim Cook at the helm. Surprised? You should be.

Apple investors should be some of the happiest folks on Wall Street, and for the most part, they are -- except when it comes to dividends. Here%u2019s why shareholders still are unlikely to get any of Apple's ever-growing cash hoard.

Apple has had a great few weeks of sales with the iPhone 4S, but somehow, it's latest quarterly report sent the stock down nearly 6%. The new CEO blamed the rumor mill for cutting into last quarters iPhone sales, but the real issue may have been more a matter of timing.

What makes a truly great leader? Attention to detail, a vision for the future, or maybe a strong personality? How about an education from Harvard or another top business school? Maybe the formula for superior leadership is much simpler; maybe the best way to spot a great leader is simply to look for someone who doesn't focus on profits.

After a lengthy battle with his health, co-founder and the face of consumer technology giant Apple, died Wednesday at the age of 56. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives," the company said in a statement.

The market wasn't exactly blown away by Apple's iPhone 4S announcement yesterday: Shares of Apple bucked the trend on a day when the general market rallied. Where were the special features already beginning to appear on Android smartphones? And where was the salesmanship of former CEO Steve Jobs, sorely lacking in Tim Cook?

The entire tech world is anxiously awaiting Tuesday's iPhone launch event. The hope: that the iEmpire's holiday lineup impresses enough to reverse a 7% stock slide that began two weeks ago. We'll have to wait until 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday to find out exactly what the Mac maker has up its sleeve. In the meantime, here are five things to watch for as the event unfolds.