Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(NYSE:AMD) Expects To See choppy year ahead

Microprocessor maker Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD)has forecast a choppy year ahead after having negotiated a `perfect storm' of a year in 2012.

It has been a depressing year for chip makers with computer sales showing slowing growth as more consumers re taking to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs.

“There was almost a perfect storm of events that occurred in the 2012 time period whether that was the macroeconomic environment, which was one factor clearly impacting commercial activity and consumer buying, and that was really across the planet,” Chief Executive Rory Read said on Tuesday during a fireside chat with analyst John Pitzer at the Credit Suisse technology conference.

AMD shares have depreciated by half over the past three months hitting a yearly low of $1.81 just a fortnight back.

The rollout of Microsoft's Windows 8 was expected to give a boost to the computer industry but so far it has not been able to ignite any spark.

“Win 8 is a good solution, but it’s really positioned at an awkward time in terms of its launch," Reed said, adding that its delayed launch had held up the inventory going into September.

However Reed hasn’t given up hope of Windows 8 being able to have an impact on the ecosystem.

 “I think Win8 is an important event. I think Win 8 is the step in migration in terms of where that operating system will go," he said.

“I still think it’s a choppy environment,” he said. But he added, “I do believe the PC segment in general will have some refresh over the second half of 2013 so I think that will have demand generation.”