Decline In PC Sales Slowing

We highlight Intel Corp. (INTC - Analyst Report) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD - Analyst Report).

IDC Sees Weak PC Numbers, But Feels Decline is Slowing

IDC issued a press release today on the Worldwide PC Microprocessor market. Worldwide PC microprocessor shipments fell for the second quarter in a row. While the decline was slightly more than typically occurs between fourth quarter and first quarter, IDC did state it believes the decline is slowing.

Looking at the numbers, unit shipments declined -10.9% from 4Q08 to 1Q09, as compared to -17.0% from 3Q08 to 4Q08. Unit shipments declined -13.0% year over year. Market revenue also declined -11% from 4Q09 to 1Q09, as compared to -18.0% from 3Q08 to 4Q08. Revenue declined -25.1% year over year.

Market Share

"In 1Q09 by form factor, Intel Corp. (INTC - Analyst Report) earned 84.3% share in the mobile PC processor segment, a loss of -4.7%, AMD (AMD - Analyst Report) finished with 15.0%, a gain of 4.7%, and VIA earned 0.7%. In the PC server/workstation processor segment, Intel finished with 89.3% market share, a gain of 1.2%, and AMD earned 10.7%, a loss of -1.2%. In the desktop PC processor segment, Intel earned 70.0%, a loss of -3.9%, and AMD earned 29.8%, a gain of 3.8%."*

* Per IDC

Outlook

IDC feels demand was due to OEMs replenishing their inventories rather than reflecting a return of solid end-demand and return to market normalcy. The firm continues to expect modest sequential processor unit shipment decline in 2Q09.