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Shazir is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
Everything has been horrible for Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) for the past three quarters. Zilch seems to be going right, Apple has lost half its market capitalization, competition seems to be increasing, and innovation seems to have been stopped. The rest of the market has been performing better than ever; however, Apple has fallen over 20% year-to-date. So, there is only one ultimate question here: Why did Apple fall so much, and will it continue to fall? Below I will discuss why Apple has fallen and why it will not continue to fall.
Positive catalysts
A few months ago on a conference call with Apple's Tim Cook, Apple announced a share buyback. The announcement of the share buyback has not triggered an upward trend yet, but it will over time. The majority of buybacks that are done raise the price of a stock. Buybacks are a sign of a company with solid fundamentals and a horde of cash.
On April 23, Apple announced a 15% increase in its dividend payout, this converts to a cash value of $3.05 per share. Unless Apple's current cash circumstances change, the likelihood of it reducing its dividend payout is highly unlikely. A decent dividend means that the company is stable for long-term growth and is a good investment.
Fundamentally, Apple's valuation is amazing. Apple trades at a P/E of 10.2. Apple's PEG ratio is at .62. Its earnings and revenues have steadily been increasing. Apple's return on equity is 40%.
Negative catalysts
Since the death of Apple's founder, Steve Jobs, Apple's innovation levels are at a new low. Apple's ingenious inventions - the iPhone, iPad, and iPod - were all successful. But lately Apple has not done anything fabulous. Apple needs another phenomenal product. This drop in innovation has taken a toll on its share price.
In the last ten years technology has advanced far beyond any of us could have imagined. Apple has dominated various technology markets, but in the past couple of years competition has increased from a number of competitors. Some major competitors are Samsung, and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG).
Price competition and product competition has especially hurt Apple in the smartphone market. Apple continues to lack the innovation that it used to have. Apple has not come up with a new product; it simply revives its old products. In my opinion, that is not enough.
Apple used to have this flair in its products; people would wait for its conference calls to see what Apple came up with. Companies would rush to build something as good as Apple's products. Apple released its iPad three years ago, and since that moment in time, its competitors have released their versions. Competition is to the point where now there are nearly 100 devices just like the iPad.
A major competitor that Apple has faced throughout the years has been Google. Google has threatened Apple's existence in many ways. An example of a major threat is its phone line. Google's Android has continued to pose a threat to Apple's key, the iPhone. Google has a ton of cash as well, an estimated $15 billion. If Google continues on this path it will surpass Microsoft as a stable and solid company.
Google has major products in its pipeline. An example would be its new innovation Google Glass, as well as its Nexus Line. Google Glass is a new and special type of product that its other competitors have not come out with. This product is special because it has sunglasses combined with other technology. Google also has its new Nexus Line as well as its tablets, Google should be up to par as far as technology with Apple and Microsoft.
When Google first launched the Android operating system at its keynote address in 2012, Google specifically said, "We created Android to stop an Apple-dominated future." These few words showed Google's motivation. Since 2010 Google has accumulated about 52% of the total market share. Fundamentally, none of these companies are a match for Apple and its horde of cash.
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)
Microsoft has also emerged as a key player in the smartphone operating software industry. Microsoft's Windows 8 has been gaining marketshare in the past few years. Microsoft has always been into software. Many investors view Microsoft as a solid stock with solid fundamentals. Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer is also motivated to continue to gain more marketshare.
Microsoft has been trying real hard to compete with Google and Apple. It has desperately come out with new products such as the Windows 8 software and the Surface tablets. But it still has not been enough. Microsoft has a couple of products in its pipeline as well including new Microsoft Office software, and the Xbox 1 which has sold out almost everywhere. These products will allow Microsoft to compete.
Microsoft used to be the worlds largest company by marketshare but since that time Microsoft has fallen back down to earth. Microsoft may still have a chance to gain some marketshare. Microsoft still has all the resources, cash, and revenue. All it needs is a new product.
In my opinion Apple will continue to dominate the technology industry; however, Apple will see major competition from its competitors. Apple will continue to pay high dividends and will continue to increase its horde of cash.
It's incredible to think just how much of our digital and technological lives are almost entirely shaped and molded by just a handful of companies. Find out "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" in The Motley Fool's latest free report, which details the knock-down, drag-out battle being waged by the five kings of tech. Click here to keep reading.
Shazir Mucklai has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!


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Product Details
The Zhumell Eclipse 114 Reflector Telescope with Motor Drive is ideal for deep-sky viewing and comes at a great price. That's one of the reasons why it's one of our most popular scopes – it's affordable and simple enough for anyone to handle, but delivers sophistication and performance that will keep more experienced astronomers very happy. Place it on the equatorial mount with a tripod and motor drive, and it will be hard coming up with adequate reasons not to look. Motor drive means you can spend less time adjusting and more time viewing – once found, the Eclipse 114 will track celestial objects for you. Included features are a 114mm objective lens, adjustable full size-tripod, motor drive, accessory tray, equatorial mount with slow motion controls, 1.25-inch focuser, 6×30 finderscope, and 2 eyepieces (9mm and 20mm). The Zhumell 3-year warranty should convince you that this telescope is a worthy and time-tested companion for your interstellar viewing adventures.
Product Title: Zhumell Eclipse 114 ZHUP001 Black Reflector Telescope
Manufacturer: Zhumell
URL: Manufacturer Link
Product Reviews (0)

subset: commoncrawl


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Inside Meetup.com with Founder, Matt Meeker
... Read More »
Need A Fund Pitchbook?
Need a powerful and compelling investor presentation? Let's talk. Our Wharton MBAs bring years of investment and marketing experience to the entire powerpoint production process. We are well versed in all fund investment strategies. Call (347) 674. 4286... Read More »
"I will take a fool with a plan than a genius with no plan"
I don't know when business planning got a bad reputation... it seems everyone today favors speed over strategy. Do not get me wrong, I love efficiency. But there is a difference between strategy and throwing the kitchen sink, closing your eyes, and hoping for the best. If you do not know... Read More »


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Synthetic Performance Solutions Group
A wholly owned subsidiary of an Amsoil Dealership, El Paso, Texas
Oil Sludge Problem: Oil sludge is a real problem today. A vehicle cannot be adequately protected with a $19.99 oil change. Let's be realistic. Maybe better stated, you get what you pay for...and quality oil changes are the most important maintenance you can do for your vehicle. If an oil sludge problem develops in your vehicle, it will be an extremely expensive repair. More and more people experience issues with poor oil flow due to sludge (where the oil turns to gel). What is the cause of this problem and is it avoidable? The cause is the properties and characteristics of conventional oil becomes stressed. Once a conventional oil reaches the engineering specifications for which it was designed, it will then breakdown into a gel that sticks to your engine and all moving parts in lieu of circulating and keeping your engine cool. As the gel settles in the engine, it actually stores heat instead of providing the cooling necessary for your engine. Sludge is the thickening and breakdown of the oil as it deteriorates, and as moisture and contaminants build up. This is what causes the oil to gel, resulting in excess wear as friction increases or, in extreme cases, a catastrophic failure of the engine due to lack of lubrication between moving parts. There are currently many legal issues and manufacturer litigation around sludge build up. Many companies, such as Volkswagen, have sent out technical service advisories to immediately switch to a fully synthetic oil.
Oil sludge usually starts in the top end of an engine (valve cover area) and the oil pan. The immediate damage begins to occur when the sludge or gel begins to block the oil screen siphon. Once this blockage occurs, catastrophic failure of the engine is eminent. The oil level of the engine may actually look fine...but your engine is truly being damaged by every stroke of your crank and camshaft as your engine loses oil pressure and no longer lubricates correctly. This is a huge issue for cars built in 1996 and newer.
Why did this start occurring in 1996 and newer vehicles? There are several issues...
Amsoil Technical Bulletin on Sludge
The following engines were reported by the Center for Auto Safety and/or their manufacturers to have a problem with sludge accumulation:
This problem can be avoided or mitigated if the sludge formation has begun to occur (something you may not be aware of until it is too late). The only action that can be taken is to change your engine oil to a top quality synthetic oil. Amsoil is recommended to replace the conventional oil being used that causes the damage in the first place. Anyone that chooses to use conventional oil is simply asking for severe engine problems. That is not an opinion; it is a proven fact. That is exactly why conventional oil must be changed at 3,000 miles to maintain the minimum protection properties, and Amsoil at 25,000 miles - pretty significant difference.
When changing from a conventional oil to a synthetic, such as Amsoil, it is best to first flush the engine and try to clean out the sludge build up.
Don't put clean synthetic oil in a dirty engine!
When an engine gets dirty, even regular oil changes can't help restore its operating efficiency. The detergen/dispersant's in most conventional engine oils can't handle the abnormal amounts of contamination found in a "dirty" engine. The new oil becomes dirty long before it should, losing much of its ability to lubricate and protect your engine and actually accelerating the formation of more sludge and varnish.
In this age of longer recommended drain intervals, it is especially important to have a clean engine before changing oil. Using AMSOIL Fast Acting Engine Flush when you change oil is an excellent way to guarantee your engine stays clean. It has special solvents and cleaning agents that act fast but gently to remove harmful deposits that can cost you money in excessive fuel consumption and mechanical repairs.
AMSOIL Engine Flush is especially recommended for use before changing to AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, assuring that these super premium long life oils provide the maximum protection and service life they are designed to deliver.
The AMSOIL Formula
1) FLUSH: To quickly clean residual sludge and engine deposits, AMSOIL Engine Flush is recommended: Change the oil filter and add the flush (about 10% of the oil capacity). Do not overfill the crankcase. Idle the engine 15 to 20 minutes, then immediately drain the old oil and flush.
*Note: Engine Flush is not recommended for use in transmissions, differentials, air-cooled engines, engines that share a common oil sump with the transmission (motorcycles & ATV's) or engine not equipped with an oil filter.
2) INSTALL: Remove the old oil filter and replace it with an AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter. Ea Oil Filters feature advanced full synthetic nanofiber technology, making them the highest efficiency filters that are available for the auto/light truck market.
3) POUR: Fill the engine's crankcase with the AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil of the viscosity grade recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils are highly resistant to oxidation and provide exceptional detergent/dispersant properties, helping keep your engine free of further sludge and varnish build-up.


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Can you stop this all from happenin'
Dig me out from under this house
Maybe i should just die in a hole because I'm ugly.
My teachers are shoving the pole up reeeeeeally good n' far this year. God fuck college and its existence.
The things you post around annoy me.
Just thought you should know.


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Airbnb Packs Travel-Inspired Design Into New HQ
Originally published on California Home + Design
Airbnb, the community marketplace for homestay accommodations that is changing the face of travel, has joined the flock of startups in San Francisco's techy SoMa 'hood.
Collaborating with Gensler and Interior Design Fair, the Airbnb founders transformed a former 1947 industrial manufacturing facility into a modern marvel to facilitate a creative work lifestyle replete with replicas of Airbnb homes (including the inaugural listing – in San Francisco!), a vibrant orange patio, and – our favorite part – a cafeteria brimming with Heath Ceramics dishware.
We just can't get enough of the insanely cool layout and personal company details – hop over to Refinery29 to see the rest of the tricked-out office that gives employees a home-away-from-home.
Click here to read the full scoop on Airbnb's enviable headquarters!
The Big Drink 2014: 50 Cocktails to Try Before You Die
The Big Eat 2014: 100 Things to Try Before You Die
The 2012 Big To-Do SF: 100 Things To Do Before You Die
The Big Veg 2011: 50 Vegetarian (Or Vegan) Things to Eat Before You Die
The Big Sweet SF: 50 Treats to Eat Before You Die
50 Things to Do in Wine Country Before You Die


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Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment
We're sorry, Paul Mitchell has not authorized Folica to sell this product.
KeraTriplex, an exclusive blend of keratin protein, rebuilds and repairs to transform lackluster hair. Ideal for color-treated and chemically processed hair.
- Repairs dry, damaged hair
- Gives hair intense moisture and shine
- Repairs dull hair
Use weekly. Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair. Leave on 3-5 minutes. Rinse.
Folica stands behind the authenticity of everything we sell. Since 1998, Folica has made it our mission to provide you with an outstanding selection of hair and beauty products at highly competitive prices.
Most Helpful Reviews
this product works wonders. I have very thick hair that is slightly damaged due to coloring. after using this product my hair is shiny and very healthy. Read More
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customer feedback ratings for Satisfaction (1-5) and Likelihood to Return (1-5).
Hours of Service:
When "muffler" is part of our name, you know we know mufflers.
Monro in Avon has been fitting and installing mufflers and exhaust system components for more than 50 years, offering customers better:
And, of course, extremely competitive prices. With more than 950 stores in 22 states, our buying power makes it possible for us to offer you a 30-day Best Price Guarantee on every repair that we make.
The most common exhaust problem today, however, is not noisy mufflers or pipes, but the dreaded check engine light. With the emphasis on fuel efficiency and emission control, it takes an experienced team with the right diagnostic tools to troubleshoot a modern exhaust system, including:
Anytime you have a check engine light in Avon, New York, or the next time your vehicle is on the lift, ask for a FREE exhaust system and muffler check.
Schedule your exhaust and muffler appointment today!


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I have a table which displays a list of locations.
One of the columns in that table is called "showonwebsite".
If the db contains a "y" for a specific record, it checks the box.
I am trying to do it so when the website admin checks the box, for multiple records in the table and presses submit, it adds the 'y' to those records.
So far this is working.
The problem is when they "uncheck" a record, I cant find a way to make it remove the 'y' from the database.
Here is what I have.
PHPHTML Code:
<form action="managelocations.php" method="post">
<input <?php if (!(strcmp($row_rsActiveLocations['showinfooter'],"y"))) {echo "checked=\"checked\"";} ?> name="checkbox[]" type="checkbox" id="checkbox[]" value="<?php echo $row_rsActiveLocations['locationsid']; ?>">
<input name="submit" type="submit" value="submit"/>
I have tried toying with if thens and all types of variations but no luck.PHP Code:
if(isset($_POST['checkbox'])){$update = $_POST['checkbox'];
mysql_select_db($database_db, $db);
foreach ($update as $value) {
$query = "UPDATE locations SET showonwebsite='$option' WHERE locationsid = $value";
$Result = mysql_query($query, $db) or die(mysql_error());
Anyones help is truly appreciated!


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Environmental Solutions ♦ Site Remediation ♦ Clean Technology
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Some vividly-colored shopping bags may contain high concentrations of lead, but the plastic bag industry has improved overall compliance, according to a new US report from The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH).
TPCH tested the inks used in 125 single-use shopping and mailing bags for the presence of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium.
Two yellow bags and one vibrant red bag contained about one per cent lead relative to the bags' weight.
"Although these substances may pose little direct risk to the average consumer handling the packaging, when the packaging material is disposed of in landfills or incinerators, these toxic metals can enter the environment and pose a risk to health and safety," said a December 11, 2012 announcement from the Clearinghouse.
Only one of the three bags indicated its country of origin. To the surprise of researchers, the bag was made in the US.
An earlier screening project by the Clearinghouse, released in 2007, showed almost 17 per cent non-compliance for a total of 60 screened plastic shopping bags.
Clearinghouse noted it was encouraged by the new screening results, which it said "may indicate manufacturers and distributors of plastic shopping and mailing bags are paying more attention to sourcing and testing for compliance with toxics in packaging laws."
TPCH assists implementation of US states' packaging laws for toxic substances.
The full report is available here.
Yup you are absolutely right.I am agree with your blog as this blog is providing information which is appreciated as we should keep our enviornment green and clean.mailing bags But there are some mailing bags which are not harmful for our enviornment as they are eco-friendly.So you must try them as they are reusable also.
Posted June 13, 2013 01:40 AM
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Computer Basics: Mouse
tags: Computer Classes
454 people like this -Like
Learn about the computer mouse and how it is used.
Computer Classes at Northwest Community Center are open to the public. No registration required.
Location: Northwest Community Center Computer Lab, 1300 W 300 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Contact Information: 385-468-1310