Throughout history, companies have gone into mega growth momentum phases. Look back at stocks like Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO). These stocks had their golden years where they were the talk of the town. Everyone owned them and thought the good times would never end. However, inevitably, the good times always end. This is two fold. First, the larger you become, the harder it is to grow at the same rate as previous years. Doubling your size when you are a $100 million company is a lot easier than when you are a $100 billion company. Secondly, every other company in the sector targets you as a leader, copies you and tries to one up you. As the competition pushes faster and harder, it is almost impossible for the leader to not stumble. One miss step by management and you are the old maid.
As the iPhone is amazing, the Droid is right there. As the iPad is a work of art, many companies already have competing products on the market which are nearly as good, if not just as good. Price wars begin, margins drop and ultimately stock price falls. This is the cycle of life as a mega growth company.
This talk has been increasing since the departure of Steve Jobs. Part of it obviously has to do with him being the brain of Apple now absent. However, the other half is definitely the mega company syndrome. It looks like many large institutions and hedge funds have started to unload their Apple positions. While they still hold Apple, a distribution of sorts has been increasing as they sell into the retail investor. This can clearly be seen in the stock price as it has stalled out and created an M top. This type of top is usually bearish and smells of distribution by the big boys.
While Apple will remain a leader for years to come, investors must start to wonder if their fate may be sealed like that of Microsoft and Cisco. Microsoft ran to $60 per share in 2000 only to fall back to the $20 - $30 range for the last ten years. Could this be the fate of Apple? To gain more hardcore analysis, guidance, swing trades and education, join the Research Center. Take the free trial today.
Gareth Soloway
Chief Market Strategist
www.InTheMoneyStocks.com
