Choose two CEOs and compare their tenures
Choose two CEOs from the drop-down lists to compare their tenures and see which CEO was the most successful during their time at their company.
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Adobe
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Adobe? The highest share price percentage increase occurred in 1999, under John Warnock, when shares in the company rose in price by 188%. Looking at the highest nominal increases, current CEO Shantanu Narayen saw a share price increase of $72.42 in 2017.
Which CEO enjoyed the most profitable tenure at Adobe? While John Warnock was at the helm of the company, its share price increased by an average of 4.6% each month; this was the highest monthly share price percentage increase overseen by any Adobe CEO. In terms of nominal increases, Shantanu Narayen has overseen the highest average monthly increase – $1.41 – while he's been in charge.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Adobe? Former CEO John Warnock oversaw a 51% decrease in the price of an Adobe share in 1992. In terms of nominal decreases, in 2008, Shantanu Narayen oversaw a $21.79 drop in the price of a share.
Co-founder and long-time CEO of Adobe John Warnock saw an average yearly (since the IPO) share price increase of 51%. This equates to an average annual price increase of $2.10.
Alphabet
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Alphabet? Under Eric Schmidt's leadership in 2005, Alphabet's (then Google's) share price increased by 114%, the highest year-on-year percentage increase since the company's IPO. The highest nominal increase occurred in 2017, when the share price rose by $252.40 under Larry Page.
Which CEO had the most profitable tenure at Alphabet? On average, the share price of the company rose by 3% each month while Eric Schmidt was at the helm; this was the highest average percentage increase overseen by any Alphabet CEO. Looking at nominal increases, current CEO Larry Page has seen the highest average monthly increase at $8.10 per share.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Alphabet? In 2008, under Eric Schmidt, the price of Alphabet (then Google) shares fell by 55%, equivalent to a price decrease of $192.33.
For every year that Eric Schmidt was CEO of Google (since the IPO), the cost of a share in the company increased by an average 23%.
Amazon
What has been Jeff Bezos's most successful calendar year? In 1998, the price of Amazon shares increased by a staggering 992%, the highest year-on-year percentage increase. The highest nominal increase occurred in 2017, when he oversaw a rise of $414.08.
Under Jeff Bezos's leadership, Amazon's share price has increased monthly by an average of 4.1%. This equates to an average monthly increase of $6.33 per share since its IPO.
What has been Jeff Bezos's least successful calendar year? In terms of percentage decreases, the share price of Amazon dropped by 81% in 2000. The largest nominal decrease in share price occurred in 2014 ($86.22).
For each year of founder and current CEO Jeff Bezos' tenure at Amazon since the company IPO, the share price rose by an average 60%. This equates to an average $79.33 increase per year.
Apple
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Apple? In 1998, Steve Jobs oversaw an increase of 209% in the price of an Apple share; this was the highest year-on-year percentage increase overseen by any Apple CEO. The highest nominal share price increase took place under Tim Cook in 2017 ($54.36).
Which CEO had the most profitable tenure at Apple? Looking at share price increases as percentages, Mike Markkula had the most profitable tenure, overseeing an average 4.9% share price increase per month. In terms of nominal increases, current CEO Tim Cook has seen an average monthly share price increase of $1.41, the highest of any Apple CEO.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Apple? Looking at percentage decreases, in 2000, the price of an Apple share dropped by 72% under Steve Jobs. Jobs also oversaw the largest nominal share price decrease: $16.19 in 2008.
For each year (since the company IPO) that Steve Jobs was CEO of Apple, the share price rose on average by 43%, equating to a $3.45 increase in value.
Broadcom
What has been Hock Tan's most successful calendar year? In 2014, the price of Broadcom shares increased by 91%, the highest year-on-year percentage increase. The highest nominal share price increase occurred in 2017, when share prices rose by $81.48.
Broadcom CEO Hock Tan has overseen an average share price increase of 2.7% ($2.10) per month since the company's IPO.
Since Broadcom's IPO, its worst calendar year was 2018 when the company's share price decreased by 4% ($10.92) with Hock Tan in charge.
For each year of Hock Tan's tenure as CEO of Broadcom (since the IPO in 2009), the price of a share in the company rose by an average of 37%, or $24.51.
What has been Mark Zuckerberg's most successful calendar year? Facebook shares rose in price by 100% in 2013, the highest year-on-year percentage increase. In 2017, the share price rose by $61.65, the highest nominal increase.
Since Facebook's IPO, its share price has increased by an average of 2.6% per month under Mark Zuckerberg. This equates to an average monthly price increase of $1.42.
What has been Mark Zuckerberg's least successful year in charge? The price of a share in Facebook decreased by 27% in 2018. This was equivalent to a $48.69 drop in share price.
Since the Facebook IPO in 2012, Mark Zuckerberg's tenure has seen an average yearly share price increase of 40%, or $24.08.
IBM
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at IBM? In 1998, while Louis V. Gerstner, Jr was CEO, the price of IBM shares increased by 77%. Samuel J. Palmisano oversaw the highest nominal increase in 2009 when share prices rose by $47.29.
Which CEO had the most profitable tenure at IBM? The share price increased by an average of 2.4% per month while Louis V. Gerstner, Jr was CEO. This equates to an average share price increase of $0.79 per month.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at IBM? The largest share price percentage drop (42%) took place in 1992 while John F. Akers was CEO. The largest drop in nominal share price ($42.49) occurred in 2018 under Virginia M. Rometty's leadership.
Louis V. Gerstner, Jr and John R. Opel both saw an average 20% yearly increase in the price of an IBM share during their tenures. For Gerstner, this meant an annual share value increase of $6.22.
Intel
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Intel? While Andrew Grove was at the helm, share prices increased by 130% in 1996; this was the highest year-on-year percentage increase overseen by any Intel CEO. Craig Barrett was in charge when the share price saw its highest nominal increase: $16.34 in 2003.
Which Intel CEO had the most profitable tenure? The cost of shares in the tech company increased by an average of 3.5% per month while Andrew Grove was CEO; this was the highest monthly percentage increase overseen by any CEO. Looking at the highest nominal increase, Brian Krzanich's five-year tenure oversaw an average monthly price increase of $0.41 per share.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Intel? While Craig Barrett was CEO, the company saw a massive 50% ($15.88) share price drop in 2002.
As CEO of Intel between 1987 and 1998, Andrew Grove saw an average yearly 41% share price increase. This equates to an average yearly value increase of $1.75.
Microsoft
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Microsoft? Bill Gates was at the helm in 1987 when the company experienced its highest year-on-year share price percentage increase (127%). Gates also oversaw the company's highest nominal share price increase of $23.79 in 1999.
Which CEO had the most profitable tenure at Microsoft? Looking at percentage increases, founder Bill Gates oversaw an average share price growth of 2.7% per month during his tenure, the highest percentage increase of any Microsoft CEO. In terms of nominal increases, CEO Satya Nadella has overseen the highest average monthly price increase with $1.15 per share.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Microsoft? Bill Gates was in charge in 2000 when share prices fell by 14% ($36.60).
From Microsoft's IPO to the end of his CEO tenure in 2000, founder Bill Gates oversaw an average yearly share price increase of 58%.
Netflix
What has been Reed Hastings's most successful calendar year at Netflix? In 2003, the company enjoyed its largest year-on-year share price percentage increase (385%). In terms of nominal share price increase, 2017 was the most successful year with the price of Netflix shares rising by $71.14.
Since the company's IPO, the price of Netflix shares have increased by an average of 4.4% ($1.33) per month under the leadership of Reed Hastings.
What has been Reed Hastings's least successful calendar year at Netflix? In 2011, the share price dropped by 60% ($14.96).
Since the IPO of Netflix in 1999, the price of a share in Netflix has increased yearly by 61%, or $19.97 (on average). Reed Hastings has been the only CEO since the company's foundation.
Nvidia
What has been Jensen Huang's most successful calendar year in charge of Nvidia? The company saw a massive 307% increase in share prices in 2001, the highest year-on-year percentage increase. The highest nominal increase occurred in 2017, when the price of a share in the company rose by $91.38.
Since Nvidia's IPO, Jensen Huang has overseen an average monthly increase of 3.6% in the price of the company's shares. This equates to an increase of $0.60 each month.
What has been Jensen Huang's least successful calendar year in charge of Nvidia? The company suffered an 82% share price decrease in 2002. The largest nominal share price decrease ($65.14) occurred in 2018.
Jensen Huang has been the sole CEO of Nvidia since its founding in April 1993. Since the company IPO in 1999, share prices have risen an average of 47% ($12.01) annually.
Oracle
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Oracle? In 1999, under Larry Ellison's leadership, the price of a share in the company increased by 329% ($23.89).
Which Oracle CEO enjoyed the most profitable tenure? The share price of the company rose by an average of 2.9% per month while Larry Ellison was CEO. This equates to an average nominal increase of $0.12 each month.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Oracle? In 1990, Larry Ellison saw the share price of his company drop by 66%. In 2001, he oversaw the largest nominal decrease of Oracle share prices, too ($15.50).
For each year (from the company IPO date) that Larry Ellison was the CEO of technology company Oracle, a share in the company increased in price by an average 38%.
Texas Instruments
Which CEO oversaw the most successful calendar year at Texas Instruments? In 1999, under Tom Engibous's leadership, the price of a share in the company rose by 131%; this was the company’s highest year-on-year percentage increase. The highest nominal increase occurred in 2017, while Richard K. Templeton was CEO, when the share price rose by $31.58.
Which Texas Instruments CEO had the most profitable tenure? Looking at share price increases as percentages, Tom Engibous was the most successful CEO, overseeing an average monthly share price increase of 2.5%. In terms of nominal increases, Richard K. Templeton was the most successful CEO as the share price increased by an average of $0.37 per month under his tenure.
Which CEO oversaw the least successful calendar year at Texas Instruments? In 2008, while Richard K. Templeton was CEO, the company's share price dropped by 53%. Tom Engibous oversaw the largest nominal decrease in 2001, when share prices dropped by $17.98.
Tom Engibous was the CEO of Texas Instruments between 1996 and 2004, and for each year of his tenure, share prices increased by 27% (on average).
Information
About IG:
IG is an award-winning, multi-platform trading company, the world’s No.1 provider of spread betting and CFD trading,1 and a global leader in forex. It provides leveraged trading products with negative balance protection,2 and an execution-only share dealing service. A range of affordable, fully managed investment portfolios completes IG’s comprehensive offering.
The company is a member of the FTSE 250, and has offices across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. It also offers on-exchange limited risk derivatives via the Nadex brand in the US.
Methodology:
We analysed the CEO tenures at every US tech company that was valued at $100 billion or more on 10 December 2018. Our analysis includes only the CEOs that have been in charge since a company’s initial public offering (IPO).
The analysis breaks down each CEO's tenure by their company’s monthly change in share price. Our measures of success rank both the change in share price as a percentage, and as a change in total value. When calculating the best and worst years, we looked at each full calendar year and narrowed it down to one best and one worst year per CEO. Where a CEO's start or finish date was unavailable, we used the first or last day of the correct month respectively.
Sources:
Historic market data was sourced from Yahoo Finance – both market data and present CEO tenures are correct up until 31 December 2018. Company valuations were sourced from the Forbes Global 2000 list on 10 December 2018.
1 Based on revenue excluding FX (published financial statements, February 2018); for forex based on number of primary relationships with FX traders (Investment Trends UK Leveraged Trading Report released August 2018).
2 Does not apply to professional traders.