PC Sales Surge in 2003, HP Reclaims Crown from Dell

Strategic Insights -

The global personal computer market saw a robust fourth quarter, culminating in a record-breaking year for PC sales in 2003. According to International Data Corp. (IDC), worldwide PC shipments rose 15.2% year over year in the quarter to 44.6 million units. This growth was driven by strong retail sales and holiday promotions, with consumer PC sales leading the market. In contrast, business PC sales showed some improvement, with IBM Corp. experiencing a notable increase.

Key Takeaways:

  • Worldwide PC shipments reached 44.6 million units in the fourth quarter, a 15.2% year-over-year increase.
  • Consumer PC sales continued to lead the market, while business PC sales showed some improvement, with IBM Corp. experiencing a notable increase.
  • HP reclaimed the global personal computer sales crown from Dell Inc. last quarter, thanks to strong retail sales and holiday promotions.
  • The dollar value of PCs shipped worldwide last year was flat at $175 billion, reflecting the popularity of cheaper model desktops and notebook computers.
  • PC sales in the U.S. rose 10.8% in 2003, with unit shipments of 52.7 million, while PC sales worldwide increased 11.4% to 152.6 million.
  • IDC predicts that PC sales will rise 12.5% in the U.S. to 59.5 million units in 2004 and 11.4% worldwide to 169.9 million units.
  • HP's worldwide PC market share for the fourth quarter was 16.9%, while Dell's market share was 16.3%.

Statistics:

  • 44.6 million: Worldwide PC shipments in the fourth quarter, a 15.2% year-over-year increase.
  • $175 billion: The dollar value of PCs shipped worldwide in 2003, flat compared to the previous year.
  • 10.8%: PC sales growth in the U.S. in 2003, with unit shipments of 52.7 million.
  • 11.4%: PC sales growth worldwide in 2003, with unit shipments of 152.6 million.
  • 12.5%: Predicted PC sales growth in the U.S. in 2004, with unit shipments of 59.5 million.
  • 11.4%: Predicted PC sales growth worldwide in 2004, with unit shipments of 169.9 million.
  • 16.9%: HP's worldwide PC market share for the fourth quarter.
  • 16.3%: Dell's market share for the fourth quarter.

Sources:

  • International Data Corp. (IDC)
  • Gartner Inc.
  • Hewlett-Packard Co.
  • Dell Inc.
  • IBM Corp.
  • Apple Computer Inc.