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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Google and AppleCHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT), Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ), Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL), Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG) and Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL). (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO) Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/ id=5513 Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog: Microsoft, Asustek in Licensing Talks Taiwanese computer-maker Asustek Computer is contemplating the use of Windows 8 from the world's largest software maker Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT). If there is a successful negotiation, Microsoft's latest OS would find another growth avenue in the Asian market. Windows 8 will be used in Asustek's Padfone, which is combination of a smartphone and tablet. Asustek Computer Inc. was founded in 1989. Its vast product portfolio includes desktops, laptops, mobile phones, monitors, motherboards, servers, tablet PCs and video cards. In terms of PC sales, it lags Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ), Lenovo, Dell Inc. (Nasdaq:DELL) and Acer. It also manufactures Nexus 7, a tablet range from the search engine giant Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG). Asus will sell its second generation Padfone in the Chinese markets at a steep price tag of $686. Asus's Padfone will directly compete with Apple Inc.'s (Nasdaq:AAPL) iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy Note. Currently, the hybrid versions of the smartphone-tablet have seen mixed success with IHS iSuppli, an independent market research firm, expecting 60.4 million units to ship this year, a 136% jump from last year's shipment of 25.6 million units. China is one of the largest markets for mobile devices and growth rates are expected to be very strong here. The PC makers are currently changing their business strategy, as PC sales are showing no sign of recovery. Consumers have changed their preferences from PCs or desktops to smartphones or tablets. As per marker research firm IDC, the global PC market contracted 8.6% year over year in the third quarter of 2012. However, the smartphone market saw a 2.4% jump in the same period with 444.5 million units of smartphones shipping worldwide. Microsoft claims that it has sold 60.0 million Windows 8 licenses , will behind market leader Android. According to Gartner, Android made up 72.0% of the smartphone sales in the third quarter of 2012. However, with Nokia commanding 19.2% of the market share coupled with success of its Lumia range of models, Microsoft's Windows based OS can see some upside. IDC is expecting that Windows-based phones may become the fastest growing smartphone OS as it is projected to jump from 2.6% in 2012 to 11.4% in 2016. Currently, just like other PC makers, Microsoft is also battling the slump in the PC market caused by the sluggish economy. In addition, the popularity of tablets from Apple and Google have been cannibalizing PC market sales, leading to further deterioration of the scenario. Whether Microsoft sees notable success this year remains. The success of the licensing deal with Asustek can open up further such licensing deals with other PC manufacturers for Microsoft in the future. Microsoft reported revenue, excluding deferrals, of $16.01 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, down 11.4% sequentially and 7.9% from the year-ago period. Revenues also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.5%. Microsoft has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Want more from Zacks Equity Research Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/ id=5515. About Zacks Equity Research Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/ id=5517 About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. 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Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. [email protected] http://www.zacks.com SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc. |