Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): The Mac Is Roaring Back While the PC Gets Weaker

A mixed opinion
The PC pessimism echoes sentiment from Nomura Equity analyst Rick Sherlund. Last week, Sherlund said Windows 8 has been “awkward” so far and that the inherent compromises in the platform have hindered adoption. Over time, the situation should improve as Microsoft refines the operating system and OEMs deliver new form factors at competitive price points.

However, Sherlund does express optimism in the medium-term, predicting shipments to rebound in the second half of the year, which is why overall he still rates Microsoft a “buy” and has a $32 price target on the software giant.

Every little bit helps
Ultimately, Macs remain a small portion of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s overall business nowadays as mobile devices comprise the bulk of sales. We’re talking about just 13% of trailing-12-month sales coming from Macs, compared to 72% for iPhones and iPads combined. But with fears that Apple may miss its own guidance in the current quarter, every little bit certainly helps.

The article The Mac Is Roaring Back While the PC Gets Weaker originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Evan Niu, CFA.

Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Microsoft.

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