February 1, 2012
There is an interesting article in yesterday's New York Times discussing fallen giants such as Polaroid, Palm Pilot, Atari, Sony Walkman, Pagers, and potentially BlackBerry. I read this article and I think of one company, Apple (AAPL). Then I begin my struggle to understand why Apple can maintain momentum when all of these other once-great names could not. And it is a struggle.
Granted, Apple has already succeeded beyond the best any of these other companies ever did. But can they keep it up? Can they avoid having done unto them what they've done unto so many others? Motorola was the greatest until BlackBerry. BlackBerry was the greatest until Apple.
What can trump Apple? I have no idea. But history makes me confident that something will. I am also confident that this is a lonely perspective to have these days.
Brennan R. Redmond, CFA
Vice President
Brighton Securities
(This article contains the current opinions of the author but not necessarily those of Brighton Securities Corp. The author's opinions are subject to change without notice. This blog post is for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. References to specific securities and their issuers are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase or sell such securities).