The issue of quarterly profit margins does not directly equate to most valuable company in the world. There is far more involved in the market determining a company's value, such as a solid history of profitability and success when expanding to new markets.
“There is far more involved in the market determining a company’s value, such as a solid history of profitability and success when expanding to new markets.”
Oh I agree there is more than quarterly profit margins involved. That’s my point.
This whole article is FUD because Apple isn’t close to being the most valuable company in the world. Apple has been successful in the past few years with a small number of popular ideas. They’ve yet to show they can convert that into long term growth or market presence. The Gartner report previously mentioned shows the industry doubts they’ll keep their existing share in their flagship market (cell phones).
And where has Google not shown that? In fact, it's OS already eclipsed iOS for phone market share, and is closing in on number 2 - RIM.
How about Microsoft? Solid history of profitability (they weren't on the ropes in the 90s), and they've expanded in new markets such as consoles.