diff --git a/src/arch/arm/ArmPMU.py b/src/arch/arm/ArmPMU.py
index a87c20b..9da3de2 100644
--- a/src/arch/arm/ArmPMU.py
+++ b/src/arch/arm/ArmPMU.py
@@ -115,8 +115,9 @@
         sharing the PMU (e.g., when switching between CPU models).
         """
 
-        bpred = cpu.branchPred if cpu and not isNullPointer(cpu.branchPred) \
-            else None
+        bpred = getattr(cpu, "branchPred", None) if cpu else None
+        if bpred is not None and isNullPointer(bpred):
+            bpred = None
 
         self.addEvent(SoftwareIncrement(self,0x00))
         # 0x01: L1I_CACHE_REFILL