Free Republic

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Apple Computer Inc. said Friday that Chief Executive Steve Jobs "was aware [of] or recommended" some favorable stock-option grant dates but cleared him and other current management of any wrongdoing. Apple also said it faked a special board meeting and would absorb $84 million in charges linked to misdated stock options. The findings alleviated some investor concerns, with AAPL84.84, +3.97, +4.9%) shares rising 5% to $84.84 Friday, punctuating a tumultuous week. "We believe that investors can now focus on the fundamentals, including pending product launches," in 2007, wrote Banc of America Securities analyst Keith Bachman, who...