Apple ( AAPL ) led with a 42% share, while Samsung's Google Android-based smartphones had 25%. Google's exit from handset manufacturing could strenghten its Android mobile operating system business, according to analyst Pitz. The deal reduces "the risk that handset makers will deploy competitive operating system," he said. The deal also helps Google by removing Motorola's weak financial results, Cowen & Co. analyst John Blackledge said in a note. "On a post-tax basis, this could amount to near $2 in EPS benefit," wrote Blackledge. Motorola lost $284 million in Q3 vs. a $192 million loss in Q3 2012. Despite the Moto X, Q3 sales fell 33% to $1.18 billion. Motorola had 4,259 employees at the close of Q3, according to regulatory filings. It had about 20,500 employees when Google announced the 2011 acquisition.