Blackberry manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) released their 2nd quarter numbers. Profit rose 57%, sales increased 58% and RIM advised strong 3rd and 4th quarter numbers. 

And RIM shares dropped 10%.  It was the biggest single day decline ever for RIM.  Welcome to the top RIM.  Hope you're ready for it.

So what was the terrible news that sent shares falling:  Subscriber growth was 620,000, the low end of what was forecast.

What is the problem with low subscriber growth?  It could indicate that RIM's growth is slowing.  And it could indicate growing success of the myriad of competitors who have jumped into the product space that RIM has dominated for so long.

The pressure is on RIM now.  The company's guidance to the market was better than what the analysts themselves have predicted.  If RIM doesn't meet their numbers in Q3, they will get hammered in the market.  Analysts will expect solid growth to justify an $80 share price.

I have long held concerns about RIM. Where is the Research happening in the Research In Motion part of their name? 

RIM has produced one device with incremental improvements to that device.  Go to Nokia.com and prepare to be dazzled by their array of products.  Go to RIM.com and see the Blackberry.  Isn't this the same device they released in 1998?  Yes, it was revolutionary at the time.  They made thumb typing acceptable to North Americans.  But more competitor products are offering similar functionality with additional features. 

RIM never really succeed in the consumer market or in Europe.  Without gains there, they cannot expect to sustain this level of growth.  Once the North American business market adoption is completed, they will grow at the growth rate of the economy and no better.

Q3 will be interesting.  But if you hold shares, you may want to keep the night free for some after hours trading.