Microsoft (MSFT) had a weak quarter; more importantly, the company serious gaps in its product portfolio, says Bob Freedland, manager of the Buy and Hold Value investment model at Covestor.
“They do not have a strong smartphone platform, unlike Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOG) offerings, and they are not No. 1 in the iPad-type platform,” he told the E-Commerce Times in an interview.
Freedland calls Microsoft a “me, too” company, citing the recent opening of Microsoft Stores that he says lack the “magic” of Apple stores. Even the Windows platform is attempting to be more Apple-like, and not quite measuring up, he says.
As for the holiday season, Microsoft’s array of forthcoming products may wind up falling flat with consumers and businesses, says Mike Tarsala, chartered market technician at Covestor.
“I don’t know that consumers care about a new version of Windows,” he said. “I don’t see it driving a whole lot of business — certainly not as much as past upgrades. And I’m not sure what will.”
Microsoft is going to have a tough time convincing the world that the Surface tablet is cool, Tarsala adds.
You can read the entire interview here.
The investments discussed are held in client accounts as of September 30, 2012. These investments may or may not be currently held in client accounts.The reader should not assume that any investments identified were or will be profitable or that any investment recommendations or that investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable.
Certain of the information contained in this presentation is based upon forward-looking statements, information and opinions, including descriptions of anticipated market changes and expectations of future activity. The manager believes that such statements, information, and opinions are based upon reasonable estimates and assumptions. However, forward-looking statements, information and opinions are inherently uncertain and actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, information and opinions.
