Apple CEO says healthy to lead

Steve Jobs, the man who oversaw the creation of the iPod and the iPhone, reassured investors that he is healthy enough to stay at the helm of Apple.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has looked thinner in recent appearances, raising questions about his health and his future at the top of one of Silicon Valley's hottest companies.

But the man who helped introduce the world to the iPod - is breaking his silence.

Jobs says he is not stepping down as CEO - blaming his recent weight loss on a hormone imbalance that is being treated.

Some analysts found his comments reassuring - given his previous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rick Hanna is an equity analyst with Morningstar.

SOUNDBITE: Rick Hanna, equity analyst, Morningstar (English) saying:

"Of course there has been a lot of uncertainty for sometime about his health, and we've been learning about his health in drips and drabs but it gives a little more detail; says that he's on a regimen that will allegedly improve it."

But his thinness, coupled with word that Jobs would not be the keynote speaker at this year's MacWorld product launch, reopened a debate, which punished the stock at the end of last year: How would Apple survive without Jobs?

Analysts say the iPhone, iPod and iMac are doing well and could keep doing so in the short term but it is the bigger picture that would be in jeopardy.

SOUNDBITE: Rick Hanna, equity analyst, Morningstar (English) saying:

"When Apple introduced the iPod that was something really Steve Jobs was intricately involved with. And it really was a transformational event there at the company."

But with Jobs now saying he's healthy enough to stay at the helm - the debate has quieted down at least for now - giving the stock a modest bounce.

Conway Gittens, Reuters