Tag Archives: lead tech

Apple Next Microsoft? Hit Product Hunt Seen Lacking

Calling Apple (AAPL) possibly the next Microsoft (MSFT) — an aging technology firm whose new products are “unlikely to move the needle like the old days” — Barclays on Thursday downgraded Apple’s stock. Apple shares were down more than 1% in midday trading in the stock market today. Like Microsoft from 2000 through 2010, Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes says Apple’s valuation will be challenged as it aims for the next product home run. He downgraded

Telecom 2014 Capital Spending Up, Friend Or Foe?

Cable and phone companies have surprised — and spooked — Wall Street with forecasts of higher capital spending than expected in 2014. Capital expenditures are closely watched by financial analysts, because higher spending can pare the companies’ free cash flow, a key measure of profitability. Lower cash flow, in turn, can reduce dividend hikes and stock buybacks. Still, the rising spending could be more friend than foe for the industry — if it

Apple, Samsung Challenged By Slowing Smartphone Sales

The smartphone, like every other tech gadget before it, is maturing into commodity status. Growth is slowing and shifting from high-end sales in the U.S. and Europe to less profitable low-end handsets in emerging markets. The shift has prodded analysts to lower their outlook on Apple (AAPL) and Samsung. Both companies’ December-quarter smartphone sales missed expectations. “The smartphone is no longer an emerging technology,” said Jack Gold, an