Now Hear This!

Apparently questions as to whether Steve Jobs' health issues are a private or public matter have been answered.

The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is reportedly reviewing Apple's disclosures about the CEO's health problems to make certain that investors were not misled and that the company's stock was not falsely impacted.

The subject of private versus public matters and stock price has been commented on by many of this blog's readers, most of which disagree with Job's stance that his health is a private matter. As Apple is a public company and as he is the well-known face of that company, many believe Jobs' ability to run Apple will affect its ability to produce innovative products.

If you watch the company's stock, AAPL, it's easy to see why reader opinion leans that way. After rumors on Jobs health trashed AAPL in late 2008, the pancreatic cancer survivor on January 5 reluctantly stated that a "hormone imbalance" has been "robbing" his body of the proteins it needs to be healthy and has caused the beloved tech industry exec's very noticeable and rapid weight loss. At that time, he said he would continue to lead Apple through his recuperation period, expected to conclude in the spring. And, with the popular techie stating he'd continue to steer Apple, AAPL climbed about 4% that day to $94.58. 

Then, after market close on January 14, Jobs stated that his health issues were "more complex than originally thought" and that he would be taking a medical leave of absence, putting Apple COO Tim Cook in charge.  Surprise, surprise, AAPL fell from January 14's close of $85.33 to $83.33 on January 15, and has been on a downward slope since then, closing at $82.83 yesterday afternoon.

Apple's stellar earnings report came out after market close Tuesday and has been driving the stock back up, however. The company has Wall Street watchers impressed with its posted record revenue of $10.17 billion and record net quarterly profit of $1.61 billion, or $1.78 per diluted share, in this economic environment. AAPL was up 5.82% as of 12:09pm eastern today to $87.65.

The SEC has yet to release a statement on the reported review of Apple and Apple has also not commented. But what are your comments? Would such an SEC review be justified? Should Jobs continue his fight to keep his health matters private? Does Apple owe its stockholders more information? Voice your opinion below.