PC investors want more earnings surprises

TAIPEI: With a recovery well underway in the personal computer market, investors are keen to find out if some Asian companies are able to hold onto profit margins while boosting sales at the expense of global rivals.

Acer, based in Taiwan island, which surpassed Dell to become the world's No 2 PC maker in the third quarter, driven by surging sales of low-cost netbooks, has emerged the clear winner so far.

Analysts expect smaller rival Lenovo, the world's No 4 PC brand, to swing back to the black after three straight quarters of red ink, supported by an ambitious cost-cutting plan and growing demand for its products in its home market.