I could care less what his orientation is/was. Can he run the company? Can he lead the development of new products? Can he manage the finances? If I was a shareholder or employee, that’s all I would be concerned about.
I am a shareholder and use Apple. Let’s put it this way. If he is being outted without his permission that I don’t give a dang because it should never have been mentioned. But if he is going to be out and proud due to his wanting to advance gay rights and such than I won’t be happy and will have to reevaluated the stock....however I can never go back to HP....lol.
That's because you're sensible.
Shareholders and employees are welcome to evaluate their options based on whatever basis they want -- it's a free country. One would like to think they do it on the basis of business performance. However, we all know that people make business decisions based on very non-business criteria, all the time.
There are probably FReepers who have Apple stock and have been enjoying great returns, who nonetheless would consider bailing on the basis of a rumor about the CEO's sexual orientation. Entirely their right to do so.
Not having any Apple stock, I am untroubled by such thoughts.