After the dot-com crash, companies such as Amazon.com
I paid no attention to the stock, even though I regularly purchased stuff on Amazon. I thought retail was too economically sensitive. I was so wrong, because Amazon became more than just a brand name. It became the Wal-Mart
Amazon accomplished what I never seriously believed it could do. I can buy just about anything and have it delivered, without any lines to wait in for purchases or returns. It's also helped Amazon that most people seem to think of it as a discount retailer, so they gravitate to it, expecting a deal.
There's one more thing -- everyone equates book buying with Amazon. Its brand name has that much power. Yes, some folks like to wander into Barnes & Noble
So I took my eye off the ball and was shocked to discover Amazon is estimated to grow earnings 50% this year and 33% next year. The company has billions in free cash flow and cash on hand.
The takeaway here is that we can get discouraged after a big market crash and swear off certain investments. We can also analyze a company and dismiss it for any number of reasons. However, you should always check back in on those candidates. The story may have changed and, with it, the prospect of big returns.