Great names are now the dogs of the Dow

William Pesek Jr

Some of the world's biggest companies look unlikely to return to prosperity

Some of the world's best-known corporate names have become real losers - Kodak, General Motors, McDonald's, AT&T, IBM. What's more, the chances of these giants prospering as they once did look slim. Starting with Eastman Kodak, several years ago, it correctly forecast that digital technology would take over the photography business. It's still struggling to make the switch and last week cut its dividend for the first time. In the second quarter, General Motors had to offer an average of $3,928 in incentives per vehicle to entice what customers it did get. McDonald's shares have been a bet...