Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will report its fiscal third quarter results on Thursday prior to which; let’s take a look at what some of the analysts expect from the iPhone maker.
Morgan Stanley’s views on Apple
Analyst Kate Huberty of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) said that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will report positive results in the third quarter, ahead of consensus expectations fueled by increased demand of iPhones. Huberty said that she is expecting fourth quarter guidance by the company to be less than the analyst expectations due to trend followed by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) of keeping the guidance low before a new product cycle. Shares are less likely to rebound before carrier distribution, new service or new products. Morgan Stanley has given “Overweight” rating with a target price of $540.
Canaccord lowered estimates on Apple
T.Michael Walkley of Canaccord Genuity has lowered the estimates due to a decline in demand of high end smartphones. Analyst citing a survey, told iPhone 5 took the top spot amongst other Smartphones sales at all global carriers and new iOS 7 introduced at WWDC is impressive. He further estimated that the new iPhone will be launched in H2/C2 2013.
Global handset survey revealed that iPhone market share declined after the launch of Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) also experienced a decline in demand of high end smartphones and dropped down the price of Samsung Galaxy S4. Declining demand of Smartphone and no surety over the launch timing of iPhone 5S are the reason for lowering estimates. Canaccord has set “Buy” rating with a price target in the range of $530 to $560.
Second quarter no major turnaround
Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha said that the upcoming results will not be any major turnaround or a transforming quarter for new iPhones. He reflected a downside risk for the next quarter. Garcha added that the latest iPhone 5 was not received that well as other previous iPhones were. However, in the second half of fiscal 2013, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is set to launch various products that can fuel growth over the next 12 months.
Garcha said that the main area of focus will be the series of products to be launched towards the end of the third quarter along with iPhone 5S and a low priced iPhone. According to the report, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) might consider simplifying its portfolio by lowering the price of iPhone 4, 4S and 5. Credit Suisse has an “Outperform” rating with a target price of $525.
