Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD): Who To Buy Now That The PC Is Dead?

IDC, a technology research firm, recently reported that personal computer (PC) shipments were off by nearly 14% in the first quarter. That’s an unprecedented fall that took just about every PC related stock’s share price with it. While it may look like tablet computers are killing PCs, that doesn’t mean Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) should be left for dead.

A bad sign

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) recently released a new version of its Windows PC operating system. Historically, that would have led to a jump in computer sales as customers upgraded to the newest and best. That clearly didn’t happen. In fact, Bob O’Donnell of IDC commented that: “…it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch not only failed to provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market.”

That is a pretty damning assessment of the new Windows OS. However, it may be spot on because Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) made big changes in an effort to merge the PC experience with the tablet experience. It also just launched its own tablet. Customers don’t like change.

A bad image

So, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) isn’t looking too good right now in the PC space. But the company is far more than just its operating system. It has notable products in the software and video game space, for example. Also, it has offerings that help to run the backbone of the Internet. While its OS product is an important cash cow, there’s plenty more meat to sink your teeth into.

Most recently, the company’s foray into the mobile OS space with Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) has been an important step. The Lumia has been a good showcase for both companies and has given Microsoft a viable mobile OS offering.

It’s way too soon to count Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) out, especially since the top and bottom lines continue to be quite strong. With a dividend yield in the 3% range and a history of annual dividend increases, investors should view this as a chance to get aboard a technology leader.

The partner

Intel is Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s partner in the PC market, providing the brains behind the vast majority of the PCs sold. Historically that’s been a good business for the company, but is obviously a drag at the moment. Its shares, however, have been languishing for quite some time.

Intel’s lack of exposure to the mobile market is the culprit. Add in the weak PC market and it’s understandable that investors would be concerned about the chip giant’s future. That future, however, probably isn’t going to be nearly as bleak as the company’s share price and over 4% dividend yield suggest.

For example, although late to the party, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is working with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) on chips to support that company’s ubiquitous Android mobile operating system. That’s not a guarantee of success, but it gives the chip giant a viable product to sell into a large potential customer base.