Don’t Blame Institutional Selling for Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Slide

Yet even a lower priced model might not be the fix Apple needs. On the operating front, Gartner reports Google’s Android still rules, and has widened its lead over Apple’s iOS.

Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal just reported Google is in the midst of launching retail stores in the U.S., a move that will surely add to its prowess and heighten its stance against Apple.  Apple’s retail stores have added nicely its bottom line and success, kicking in more than $10 billion in annual sales. That kind of hefty profits underscores the potential for Google retail stores.  Google is also swiftly and smartly becoming a prominent presence in the mobile device market. Shares of the internet company hit an all time high of $804 intra-day Feb. 19, as Apple shares continued to slide.

In addition, the much-anticipated BlackBerry 10 from Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) BlackBerry is set to hit U.S. markets in March. BlackBerry fans are a loyal bunch and they have been clamoring for a new souped-up version of the phone. Those who covet the BlackBerry keyboard won’t even look at another phone. Plus, in an effort to keep government departments and businesses appeased, BlackBerry is launching new software that will work on a variety of smartphones, in addition to its own. As Apple has lost some of its cachet, BlackBerry has regained some bounce in its step. BB10 sales will chip away at Apple’s market share.

So while many may see “smart money” selling as a big reason behind the big bite taken out of Apple, at the core there is much more to Apple’s waning performance and its stock’s swoon.

The article Don’t Blame Institutional Selling for Apple’s Slide originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Diane Alter.

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