Today the five largest U.S. companies are all in the technology sector. That wasn’t the case in the 1980s. Back then there was IBM and everyone else. IBM’s market capitalization was larger than all other companies, not just tech stocks. It was deemed so secure that at one point its bonds yielded less than U.S. Treasuries! IBM was untouchable … until it wasn’t.
Sticking with the 1980s, the ten largest stocks included AT&T and Eastman Kodak. These, too, seemed untouchable but eventually succumbed to competition.
In the 1990s all but two of the largest worldwide companies were Japanese. Many in our country feared Japan’s economy would surpass our own. Not so fast.
In 2000 the second largest company was General Electric. Twenty-four years later GE’s market-cap still hasn’t recovered from that peak. Cisco Systems was the third largest and it, too, is below its 2000 high. AIG was the 14th largest company. It required a government bailout.
By 2010 Exxon Mobil and Microsoft topped the list of largest companies and both are still doing well. But that list also included Intel, a company whose stock has fallen 70 percent since 2021 and is near its 2010 level.
What’s my point? In each of these time periods investors expected continued dominance from the largest companies. It was inconceivable that their fates would sour. But in every historical list there were some companies whose fortunes turned south. Investors loved Eastman Kodak’s film dominance until the digital camera arrived. AIG was a financial powerhouse until the financial crisis.
Even Microsoft, which has remained in the list of largest companies for several decades and is the third largest company today, went sideways for 15 years after the internet bubble burst. They whiffed on the smart phone and promoted Windows Vista. Ugh.
Although it seems inconceivable now, there will be a couple of losers on today’s list of largest companies (Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Tesla, Berkshire Hathaway, Broadcom, and Eli Lilly). Nvidia dominates the AI chip market but others want a slice of that pie. Apple’s products are known for their unique design and user experience but its profits are only growing about five percent. Tesla investors believe in ambitious plans of its charismatic CEO. Which the ten will falter?
As an investor, one shouldn’t look at how companies are doing now because they are all doing well. The key is to anticipate their future. Given history, one or two of today’s largest and most successful companies won’t remain dominant.
David Vomund is an Incline Village-based Independent Investment Advisor. Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555. Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Announces Afternoon Tea at Osteria Sierra
November 26, 2024 | Member Submitted
Submitted by Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the shore of North Lake Tahoe, announces a new Afternoon Tea service, launching at Osteria Sierra this month.
“Afternoon tea offers a serene moment to relax, featuring a premier selection of teas paired with exquisite culinary creations from our talented team,” said William Stout, Food and Beverage Director at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. “We are looking forward to providing our guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience and elevated service at our resort.”
The Afternoon Tea will feature home-baked scones, pastries and sandwiches. The pastry menu is curated by Executive Pastry Chef Sahid Khan and includes a lemon meringue tartlet, pistachio financier, raspberry macarons and honey almond cake. The sandwich selections include a black truffle & egg salad, roasted prime angus beef, and a smoked salmon and cucumber option.
The Afternoon Tea will be available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by visiting the link below: https://www.exploretock.com/osteria-sierra
Osteria Sierra is located in the main resort building next to Tahoe Provisions. The restaurant, previously named Sierra Café, has been transformed through a renovation to feature new décor and seating. For dinner, the restaurant serves elevated dining with Italian and Alpine themes, complete with house-made pasta, and Italian specialties such as a burrata e pomodori with a pistachio pesto and a fresh creste de gallo with guanciale and black garlic.
For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit Hyattregencylaketahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.
About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Ideally situated on the pristine shores of North Lake Tahoe, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a AAA Four Diamond Award winning resort, offers majestic lake and mountain views from its 422 guestrooms, including 32 suites and 24 lakeside cottages. The resort’s design evokes modern alpine luxury with exposed wood beams, rich leathers, and granite features throughout the property. Premium amenities include 500 feet of private beach featuring a 275-foot floating pier, a year-round heated lagoon-style pool and two hot tubs, a 25,000 square foot Grand Lodge Casino, and 50,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor flexible meeting and event space including the picturesque Lakeside Ballroom, Tahoe’s premier lakeside ballroom just steps away from the beach. Additional amenities include a 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa with 16 treatment rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, pet-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped Hyatt StayFit gym, and an on-site Adventure program which provides guided activities led by the resort’s team of adventure specialists. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino has received numerous awards and recognitions including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards, and more.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.
About Hyatt Regency hotels
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit hyatt.com
In The News – TRPA commission to evaluate Homewood’s revised master plan Dec. 11
November 26, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/26/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
Homewood Mountain Resort’s (HMR) revised master plan proposal will face its first major regulatory hurdle Dec. 11 when the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) Advisory Planning Commission reviews the updated application at a public meeting.
“The TRPA Advisory Planning Commission will review the Homewood Master Plan amendment application and associated documents and consider a recommendation to the Governing Board,” according to the TRPA. “The Board may consider the amendments at a subsequent meeting date to be determined.”
The resort has submitted most required documentation, including draft plans for public access on page 56. The master plan and public access proposals are subject to modification pending agency review and public input, TRPA’s Special Projects Manager Paul Nielsen wrote in an email.
In The News – Incline High graduation rate hits almost 99%
November 26, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/26/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Incline High School stands out for having almost all its students cross the stage to graduate in 2024.
“I am encouraged by last year’s graduation rate of 98.67%, which reflects the hard work and commitment of our students, families, and staff,” said Incline High Principal Tierney Cahill. “However, I remain mindful that the remaining 1.33% represents more than just a statistic, it represents individual stories, often shaped by complex challenges such as relocation or personal circumstances.”
Incline High had 98.67% graduation rate for 2023-2024 school year, a 3.32% increase over the previous year, according to newly released Washoe County School District (WCSD) statistics.
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 11/14/2024, Written by Melissa Siig
The small Tahoe enclave has seen better days. Can the redevelopment of the Cal Neva and Biltmore return the area to its former glory?
Charlie Soule has owned The Soule Domain restaurant at the western entrance to Crystal Bay for 40 years. In that time, he has watched the small casino corridor go from a vibrant neighborhood full of shops, restaurants, and a bustling nightlife to an area with boarded-up and dilapidated buildings and empty parking lots littered with trash. Out of the three anchor businesses in Crystal Bay — the Crystal Bay Club, Tahoe Biltmore, and Cal Neva — two have been closed for several years: the Cal Neva since 2013 and the Biltmore since 2022. Just to the west of The Soule Domain, another derelict building, the Tahoe Inn, has been sitting empty for almost 10 years.
“Right now, and I’ve been here a long time, the neighborhood sucks,” Soule said. “It’s about as bad as it’s ever been.”
The tiny neighborhood of Crystal Bay, which abuts the California-Nevada border and straddles Highway 28, presents a strange dichotomy.
We’re thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Lane 17 Lounge, your favorite winter escape in Incline Village! Join us starting Friday, November 22, as we unveil a refreshed space and elevated food options that will delight your senses.
Indulge in our new culinary offerings, including:
Gourmet Focaccia with Saba and Vermont cultured butter
Decadent Yakitori grilled oysters with uni butter
Handcrafted artisanal sweet potato gnocchi with sage cream
Perfectly braised short ribs with herb farrotto
Signature winter desserts & cocktails to warm your spirits
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day on the slopes or gather with friends for a cozy night out, Lane 17 Lounge is the perfect destination this winter.
With no kids’ menu in sight, we focus solely on creating a sophisticated experience for our guests, allowing you to indulge in culinary artistry and exceptional service. Savor each bite paired with our carefully curated wine list and enjoy a memorable evening where every detail is designed for your enjoyment.
Reservations are now open! Don’t miss your chance to experience all that we have to offer.
Book your table today and be among the first to enjoy our revamped lounge.
In The News – Community invited to farewell celebration for UC Davis Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge at Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences
November 22, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/20/2024, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Community members, volunteers, and docents are invited to come together for a special farewell celebration for the beloved UC Davis Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge, an immersive space at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center created to give visitors a unique, in-depth view of the diverse life beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe. This gathering will be held on December 13, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village, allowing the community to say goodbye before the exhibit closes.
“We are hosting this event to memorialize the “Underwater Lake Tahoe Exhibit” and the beautiful work and effort of muralist Susie Alexander,” says Heather Segale, Director of Education and Outreach for UC Davis TERC.
The Underwater Lake Tahoe Lounge was conceived in 2018 and created in partnership with Sierra Nevada University (SNU) and UC Davis in response to visitor requests for a deeper understanding of Lake Tahoe’s aquatic ecosystem.
In The News – Placer County Board of Supervisors Approves Palisades Tahoe Development
November 21, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in Moonshine Ink, 11/20/2024, Written by Melissa Siig
After a 9-hour meeting that included more than 100 public comments, the Placer County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19 voted unanimously to approve the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan. Despite widespread concerns brought forth by the community about wildfire evacuations and traffic, the board expressed that the project would not only help North Tahoe’s economy, but also bring significant community benefits including contributions to workforce housing, environmental restoration, and transportation improvements.
“As in every large-scale project, there is no perfect outcome. We are never going to get to perfection with a project like this,” said District 2 Supervisor Shanti London. “I believe the applicant has gone above and beyond. When I look at how Palisades looks today … I had heard the community wholeheartedly opposes the project, but there really was a balance of perspectives. I don’t think it’s just the corporation benefiting from this. I really, truly believe the whole community will benefit from this.”
In The News – Stephanie Hampton appointed Director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center
November 18, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/18/2024, Submitted
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The University of California, Davis, Office of Research announced the appointment of Stephanie Hampton as the director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.
Hampton, an accomplished aquatic ecologist and administrator who currently serves as the deputy director of Bisophere Sciences and Engineering at Carnegie Science, will join TERC in the spring of 2025.
In this role, Hampton will apply her leadership and strategic skills to expand the range of scientific contributions of TERC research and outreach activities. She will work closely with the center’s staff and campus stakeholders to explore the many opportunities the center brings to advance the study of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that occur beyond the Lake Tahoe region and has impacts around the world.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Re-Launches Lone Eagle Lounge: A Destination for Locals and Visitors a like
November 18, 2024 | Member Submitted
Submitted and written by Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, 11/19/2024
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, a spacious resort nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the shore of Lake Tahoe, is bringing back the Lone Eagle Grille Lounge experience. The lounge does not require reservations and offers a more relaxed style of service compared to the regular Lone Eagle Grille dining room. Additionally, popular Lake Tahoe musician Luke Stevenson has come out of retirement to play at the lounge on Friday, November 22.
“We are thrilled to bring back the amazing lounge experience at Lone Eagle Grille,” said Nicholas Pugliano, Lone Eagle Grille’s newly appointed lounge manager. “The lounge will feature a casual atmosphere where our guests and local community can enjoy delicious food and drinks as well as incredible entertainment by Luke Stevenson.”
Lone Eagle Grille will officially relaunch the lounge with a community event on Friday, November 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees of the event will be able to try out samples of the new lounge menu items and enjoy live music from Luke Stevenson starting at 6 p.m. Entry to the event is free and it is open to the public, and beverages will be available for purchase.
The new lounge menu will feature a variety of appetizers and small dishes including fried shishito peppers, seared diver scallops, braised pork belly, and more. It will also feature several signature cocktails including the ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ a blend of Tito’s Vodka, lavender syrup, and lemonade, as well as a regular favorite, the ‘Golden Eagle’ which includes Montezuma Tequila, Naranja Orange Liqueur, and Grand Marnier.
Additionally, the lounge will feature Lone Eagle Legacy. This is a signature brew from the resort’s partner Alibi Ale Works and will be available offered on tap. As the hotel has partnered with Alibi Ale Works for several years, the team collaborated to make a beer that is exclusively available at the resort. With its light, bright West Coast style, Lone Eagle Legacy offers a refreshing taste that evokes the vibrant atmosphere of lakeside dining at Lone Eagle Grille.
Luke Stevenson will be coming out of retirement exclusively for the Lone Eagle Lounge re-launch event. He has been a fixture of the Lake Tahoe music scene since 1987, performing in local venues like the Lone Eagle Grille for decades. His nostalgic acoustic rock, country, and pop style resonates deeply with audiences, offering a soundtrack of familiar songs that evoke memories and personal connections. With over 40 years of professional experience, Luke’s performances are both intimate and uplifting, drawing from musical inspirations like The Beatles, Neil Diamond, and James Taylor to create a unique, heartfelt experience for listeners.
“I began playing regularly at the Lone Eagle Grille about a month after it opened in the early 90s,” says Luke Stevenson. “I am looking very much forward to seeing old friends and renewing the intimate connection I developed with longtime listeners at Lone Eagle upon my return.”
Locals with an IVGID picture card enjoy a 10 percent discount on all food and beverage options at the resort, and on Mondays, they can receive 20 percent off the Lone Eagle Lounge menu.
For more information or to book a getaway to Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, please visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com, or call (775) 832-1234.
About Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Ideally situated on the pristine shores of North Lake Tahoe, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino offers majestic lake and mountain views from its 422 guest rooms, including 32 suites and 24 lakeside cottages. The resort epitomizes modern alpine luxury with its exposed wood beams, rich leathers, and granite accents. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a private beach with a 275-foot floating pier, a year-round heated lagoon-style pool, two hot tubs, a 25,000 square-foot Grand Lodge Casino, and 65,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, including the picturesque Lakeside Ballroom, Tahoe’s premier lakeside venue. Additional features include a 20,000 square-foot Stillwater Spa with 16 treatment rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, pet-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped Hyatt StayFit gym with Peloton bikes, and an on-site Adventure program offering guided activities. Recognized for excellence, the resort has garnered numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best in the West Smart Meetings Smart Stars Awards, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel Awards.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, at 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV, 89451. For more information, visit HyattRegencyLakeTahoe.com or follow the resort on Facebook or Instagram.
About Hyatt Regency hotels
The Hyatt Regency brand is a global collection of hotels and resorts found in more than 200 locations in over 40 countries around the world. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives and enriching experiences, while its forward-thinking philosophy provides guests with inviting spaces that bring people together and foster a spirit of community. As a hospitality original, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness—our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration. The brand prides itself on an everlasting reputation for insightful care—one that welcomes all people across all countries and cultures, generation after generation. For more information, please visit hyatt.com
