Intuit CEO Sees Growth In Mobile, Global Markets

NEW YORK (AP) — Going mobile and going global are two keys to Intuit Inc.'s strategy for the coming year, CEO Brad Smith told investors Wednesday.

Speaking at the financial software company's annual investor day at its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, Smith said Intuit sees opportunities for both growing the existing customer base that uses TurboTax, QuickBooks and its other products and for expanding in new markets.

"There are still a large number of people who manage their finances in spreadsheets, checkbooks and shoe boxes," he said during the program, which was also Webcast.

One of the main avenues for growth is mobile applications of its products, Smith said. The company has launched seven mobile aps for things like its Quicken personal finance software already, and has 17 more in the pipeline. He said these products will help Intuit target younger consumers in the "digital generation."

"They grew up with technology," he said. "They don't think about going to a post office to pick up a 1040EZ form."

Complementing its mobile product development are acquisitions like the purchase of personal finance management Web site Mint.com, which was announced last week. Mint's ability to help its users identify ways to save money, and the proprietary technology behind that ability, made it an appealing acquisition, Smith said.