ASUS Posts Big Profit, Sells 3 Million Tablets

From DailyTech: As predicted by analysts [source], ASUSTek Computer, Inc. (TPE:2357) surged on a lineup of affordable tablets and personal computers. In the three months ending in March 2013, the OEM earned a profit of $6.05B TWD ($205M USD), up 21 percent from a year before.

ASUSTek's gains came partially on the back of strong tablet sales. With a lineup anchored by the Google Inc. (GOOG) branded Nexus 7 tablet, ASUSTek tablets ascended to third place, bumping down Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN). ASUSTek sold 3 million tablets in the quarter.

Most of ASUSTek's tablet sales came from its Android models (particularly the popular Nexus 7), but the company has also seen some small gains from its Windows 8 tablets, which are currently among the most affordable Windows tablets on the market. Its 10-inch VivoTab Smart is priced at an attractive $450.

ASUSTek hopes to expand its base by becoming the first OEM to offer 7-inch Windows 8 tablets. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is rumored to be preparing a 7-inch Surface tablet already. ASUSTek Chief Executive Jerry Shen said the price of such a small Windows 8 tablet would likely be under $300 USD. That's in line with an Intel Corp. (INTC) executive who in April said Windows 8 tablets could soon hit $200 USD or less. Mr. Shen elates, "We're very optimistic about sales for Windows 8 tablets this year."

View: Article @ Source Site