RE: Fifth Generation PortalPlayer SoC Triples MP3 Player Battery Life
posted on
Mar 07, 2005 05:03AM
* We are raising our estimates for iPod units to 4.5 million this
quarter and 15 million for the year. Although iPod competition is
strengthening, we believe demand for the iPod shuffle continues to
outstrip supply.
* On stronger iPod sales our March quarter EPS estimate increases a
penny to $0.22 and our full year estimate rises $0.05 to $1.05 per
share.
* We believe Napster`s results show that on-line music purchases
continue to grow. We do not see the small rise in absolute number of
subscribers (now at 270,000) as taking share from Apple`s iTunes. Apple
just reported passing the 300 million mark in song sales, which was
faster than we had modeled.
* Best Buy reported MP3 players saw triple-digit gains in its just
reported quarter. Notebook computers were also cited as being strong.
Our retail checks in the local area continue to show strong traffic and
demand an Apple stores.
* Apple store managers tell us that iPod interest is translating
into Mac sales. Also, a survey by Envisioneering Group finds that the
average iPod user in the U.S. spends $150 on accessories. That`s about
half the average iPod price (pre-shuffle). Our iPod accessories revenue
estimate for March is $82 million.
* We reiterate our Buy rating with a price objective of $51 per
share. This is supported by a two-stage discounted earnings model that
assumes post-F2006 earnings per share growth of 33% for five years
followed by sustained EPS growth of 5% per year. Alternatively, there
should be an increasing real option value embedded in the stock as Apple
leverages iPod success into new product lines.
* Risks are poor execution, an absence of compelling new products,
lack of PC share gain, and increased iPod competition.