Aaron Hillel Swartz (November 8, 1986 – January 11, 2013) was an American computer programmer, entrepreneur, writer, political organizer, and Internet hacktivist.
Great brands make great investments.
Brand recognition gives companies major advantages in pricing, customer loyalty and sourcing. They can instill a quality that Warren Buffett loves to see: a protective economic moat.
But it’s a tough world out there. Even the best brands have to be nurtured to stay on top. Stumbles are inevitable. The question for investors then is whether a company can salvage its brand.
To answer this question, I often look for a vote of confidence from the company’s managers and board members. And nowadays insider buying is notable at Mattel MAT, -0.81% , American Express AXP, +0.27% and General Motors GM, +0.30% — three wounded brands that look poised for a comeback. Plus, shares of two more wounded brands, including Google GOOGL, -0.22% and Coach COH, -1.09% are worth considering.