Boston, MA 01/29/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Global technology leader Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) saw disappointment as it witnessed global sales of its star devices – the iPhone and the iPad – slow down beyond expectations during the recently ended fourth quarter of 2013.
Apple’s 4Q2013 Sales Revenue – Brief Analysis
The inventor of the iPhones and iPads saw its flagship product line hit sales roadblocks, owing majorly to intensified competition from Korean giant and the current world numero uno in smartphones and similar devices Samsung, as also LG and Lenovo. Apple seems to be struggling with its smartphone market share, despite its relatively low-priced iPhone 5c seeing little acceptance and sales in the market.
The 4Q Revenue Figures
California, USA-based Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) saw the least improvement in shipment volumes so far, in spite of the overall industry shipment volumes going above, for the first time, a billion devices. While the smartphone industry saw over a billion phones in global shipments, a greater than 38% rise from roughly 725 million devices shipped in 2012, Apple’s shipments dwindled to below 13%. Samsung, Apple’s current biggest smartphone and tablet competitor, stayed in line with expectations by registering over 42% growth in shipment volumes amounting to over 313 million units for sale.
Apple exceeded Wall Street expectations of $56.8 billion with its recorded net sales revenue of $57.6 billion, with a 5.6% improvement year-over-year, while its gross margin rose marginally to 37.93%, surpassing analyst predictions of 37.50% though falling behind almost 2% behind its FY2012 fourth quarter figures.
Apple’s roadblocks seem to be stemming from the lack of value being attributed by customers to its recent inventions like the iPhone 5c, which was targeted at the medium and low level smartphone consumer segments.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares dropped 8% to $506.50 in their January 28 trade from their previous $550.50, while after-hours trading figures were around $508.50.
