Intel Earnings: Windows 8 Ultrabook Sales, CEO Clues Coming?
Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) could provide new clues about Windows 8 Ultrabook and PC sales when the chip giant announces Q4 2012 earnings on January 17. Intel may also offer an update on its CEO succession plan. Current CEO Paul Otellini is (pictured) set to retire in May 2013, the company disclosed back in November 2012. So how is Intel — and its ecosystem of PC partners — performing? Hmmm…
Both Gartner and IDC said PC sales declined in Q4 2012 — the first Q4 decline in five years, notes Windows IT Pro. IHS iSuppli, a research firm, slashed its ultrabook sales forecast by half in October 2012.
At the time, Otellini announced weak Q3 results but suggested there were better times ahead:
“Our third-quarter results reflected a continuing tough economic environment. The world of computing is in the midst of a period of breakthrough innovation and creativity. As we look to the fourth quarter, we’re pleased with the continued progress in Ultrabooks and phones and excited about the range of Intel-based tablets coming to market.”
Same Challenges, New Quarter?
Fast forward to the present and The VAR Guy suspects Intel continues to face an uphill battle with its ultrabook and tablet initiatives. Plenty of new, nifty ultrabooks surfaced at the recent CES conference in Las Vegas. And Microsoft’s imminent Surface Pro tablet — running Windows 8 — is receiving rave reviews from those who have briefly tested it.
But none of those “new” items were shipping during Intel’s Q4 2012. And that doesn’t bode well for the chip giant.
Intel’s quest for new growth will soon involve a new CEO. The VAR Guy expects some sort of update om the CEO search/succession plan during Intel’s earnings call on Jan. 17. Even if Intel doesn’t offer a prepared statement, Wall Street analysts are bound to ask about the CEO situation.
