The argument that low margins are an indicator of inability to charge higher prices or declining brand strength doesn't hold water. Sony had had crappy margins

The argument that low margins are an indicator of inability to charge higher prices or declining brand strength doesn't hold water. Sony had had crappy margins for a long time and the reasons relate more to competition (they don't enjoy barriers to entry like Apple and have to pay up for marketing and R&D to maintain their brand perception) and poor corporate governance (lack of impetus to run the company efficiently) than an ability to charge high prices and/or a decline in brand quality.