Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will report its 1Q13 results towards the end of January, and according to the latest analyst reports, expectations remain bullish, but NOT on the stock price. The street maintains an estimate of 46-48 million units of iPhone sales, while the company trimmed its expectations from 60-65 million units to 60 million.
In a report published Monday, Jefferies & Company analysts maintained their 53 million estimate for iPhone sales during the current quarter. The analysts also maintained their CQ2 estimates, but believe that Apple’s growth rate will decelerate in FY14. The analysts reiterated Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) at Buy, but lowered their price target from $900 to $800.
In the report, the analysts noted that estimates for iPad sales units for the current quarter were trimmed from 30 million to 25 million. The analysts maintained a revenue estimate of $59.6 billion and EPS of $16 per share for the December quarter. Consensus estimate is at $54.6 billion, EPS at $13.52 per share. The march quarter estimates were $47.8 billion revenue and $12.49 EPS for The Street, while Jefferies estimates revenue to be $53.5 billion and $14.98 EPS.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock was down $4.56 per share, or 0.86 percent decline at 10.22 a.m EST from last week’s close. The analysts noted that, the company’s results are likely to beat analyst estimates, but the impact of the decelerating growth is expected to affect its stock price. The analysts said that the U.S market, which Apple boast a huge market share in, is becoming saturated. Additionally, the Asian suppliers will likely lower the cost breaks they give Apple because of the amount they now have to invest for next-generation technology, and because of slower and more expensive transitions to newer semiconductors, noted CNET.
2013 Outlook
According to report, the analysts expect Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to introduce a new generation of iPads around June, 2013, to try and spur sales for the business unit. Additionally, the analysts also believe that Apple is set to launch iTV, either in late CQ3 2013 or Early CQ4.
The iPhone maker is also believed to be plotting a cheaper iPhone, dubbed iPhone 5S, which is expected to retail at around $200 to $250 per unit. This is expected to help the company compete in the low end market. Additionally, the company is also expected to launch another generation of iPhones, dubbed the iPhone 6 with improved features and approximately a 4.8 inch screen.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is certainly looking to exploit all areas of the market as it looks o develop low priced products for the low cadre of the market, which targets the emerging markets. A good example is the iPad mini. Whether or not this will help the company grow its market share remains to be seen, but the future promises a competitive business environment, especially against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Android OS and Samsung’s smartphones.
