Traditional PC Market Grows 2.7% in the Second Quarter of 2018, Strongest Rate Since Q1 2012, According to IDC

Preliminary results for the second quarter of 2018 (2Q18) showed
shipments of traditional PCs (desktop, notebook, and workstation)
totaled 62.3 million units, recording solid year-on-year growth of 2.7%,
according to the International Data Corporation (IDC)
Worldwide
Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. The results exceeded
IDC’s forecast of 0.3% growth and marks the strongest year-on-year
growth rate in more than six years, when the first quarter of 2012
posted growth of 4.2%.

Although helped to some extent by a weak second quarter in 2017, which
was somewhat impacted by key component issues, the 2Q18 results
decidedly bucked the trend from the previous three quarters, which had
the market hovering slightly above or below flat growth. Once again
business volume appeared to be the key driver with the top three
companies reaping benefits across both desktop and notebook. Moreover,
the market continued to grow for both premium as well as entry models.
Chrome OS-based devices, premium notebooks, and gaming PCs all further
fueled the mix in the wake of improved supply and prices of graphic
cards.

Not surprisingly, the recovery is relegated to the highest echelon of
the market as the top 5 companies all posted positive year-on-year
growth, collectively growing over 7% and capturing nearly 78% of the
overall market. Scale, be it in the form of purchasing power to reduce
costs, obtain scarce components, or channel reach, continued to be the
catalyst for industry consolidation. From a geographic perspective, all
regions exceeded forecast, with both mature and emerging markets seeing
good activity. The US market delivered another growth quarter after
coming in just below flat in 2017.

“Although traditional PCs may not be the default device for many usage
scenarios, the market continues to show pockets of resiliency as PC
usage experience evolves and improves,” said Jay
Chou, research manager with IDC’s Personal
Computing Device Tracker. “Even certain types of desktops are seeing
growth amid this business-driven refresh cycle.”

“Results for the first half of 2018 have been encouraging for the US PC
market despite market challenges that surfaced including expected
slowdown of Chromebooks amid production inhibitors,” said Neha
Mahajan, senior research analyst, Devices & Displays. “And with
sentiment looking improved for the second half of the year, the US could
deliver a strong market performance for the year.”

Regional Highlights

USA – The traditional PC market registered its second consecutive
quarter of year-on-year shipment growth with a total of 17.3 million
units. The desktop market saw shipments rising after a long decline with
growth being driven by increased commercial purchases and supported by
growing consumer demand for gaming systems. The enterprise shift to
Windows 10 and an overall positive economic environment also helped
maintain momentum on the notebook side.

Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) – The
traditional PC market experienced modest growth, owing to a further wave
of device renewals in the commercial space. Despite the trend toward
mobility, desktops once again played a strong role in driving the
overall performance of the market.

Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) (APeJ) – The traditional PC market
came close to IDC’s forecast, supported by positive results in India,
where better than expected consumer demand and good traction in the
commercial market drove shipments. Meanwhile, the Department of
Education project contributed to a strong increase in the commercial
space in the Philippines. The PC market in China performed above
expectations, as better than forecasted sales and the launch of new
models during the 618 Festival contributed to higher sell-in of consumer
notebooks. On the other hand, the China commercial PC market remained
impacted by weak shipments to SMBs and the public sector.

Japan – The market came in above expectations as commercial
demand helped desktop and notebooks alike to exceed the forecast.

Company Highlights

HP Inc. continued see results from its strong portfolio and
execution. It extended its streak of consecutive quarters of
year-on-year growth, further cementing its hold over all others in the
market. HP Inc. grew 7.6% on the year with growth in all regions.

Lenovo whose majority stake in its joint venture with Fujitsu
took effect in 2Q18, came off with a good start. The company rode the
wave of healthy refresh momentum in Japan as well as recovering channel
efforts in North America to grow 11.3% year on year (which includes
Fujitsu volume beginning in 2Q18). All regions showed year-on-year
growth.

Dell Inc., following a good 1Q18 result, posted strong growth of
9.0%, buoyed by strong performances in nearly all regions.

Apple finished the quarter in the 4th position with nearly flat
year-on-year growth.

Acer held the 5th position, growing 1.3% year on year. Its focus
on gaming and Chrome continues to help, but weakness on the commercial
side also deprives it of much of the current market momentum.

Table Notes:

* Starting in Q2 2018, Lenovo volume includes Fujitsu as per their joint
venture.

** For year-on-year comparison, an extra line has been added below the
table to show what Lenovo’s growth would have looked like had its
acquisition of Fujitsu been completed prior to the start of the 2Q18
quarter.

• Some IDC estimates prior to financial earnings reports. Data for all
  companies are reported for calendar periods.
• Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM
  sales are counted under the company/brand under which they are sold.
• Traditional PCs include Desktops, Notebooks, and Workstations and do
  not include Tablets or x86 Servers. Detachable Tablets and Slate
  Tablets are part of the Personal Computing Device Tracker but are not
  addressed in this press release.

In addition to the table above, a graphic illustrating the worldwide
market share of the top 5 traditional PC companies over the previous
five quarters is available by viewing this
press release on IDC.com.

IDC’s Worldwide
Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker gathers detailed market
data in over 90 countries. The research includes historical and forecast
trend analysis among other data.

For more information, or to subscribe to the research, please contact
Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or [email protected].

About IDC Trackers
IDC
Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, company
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processes, IDC’s Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and
monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly
excel deliverables and on-line query tools.

About IDC
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