Katie MarsalApple Computer could introduce its first laptop computers based on Intel chips as early as January, which, together with robust sales of video iPods, should drive earnings higher, Citigroup said on Wednesday.
The analyst believes Apple plans to introduce the professional laptops sooner than expected in order to help minimize the risk that it would end up with an inventory buildup of its current non-Intel laptops as customers anticipate the new models.
Earlier this month, reliable sources also pinned the PowerBook for a January introduction, saying that Apple is working feverishly to complete a noticeably slimmer 15-inch model for a possible Macworld introduction alongside an Intel-based iMac.
Along with his product predictions, Gardner raised his target price on Apple stock to $71 from $51 and boosted his earnings forecasts for the next two years.
For the current quarter, Gardner raised his revenue estimate to $5.5B and earnings-per share estimates to 60 cents, up from $4.8B and 47 cents.
He also raised his 2006 revenue forecast to $20.4B and $2.16, up from from $17.6B and $1.72.
In 2007, Gardner expects Apple to generate revenues of $24.3B and earn a profit of $2.61 per-share.
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34 Comments
I get this strange sense that the same news is traveling in circles. Next Piper Jaffray will raise expectations because AppleInsider reported that Citigroup reported that rumor sites reported that someone heard from some "reliable" source that something may or may not happen.
As in the comments made to the previous article about Rosetta, etc. this could be partly due to the new G4 ant Altivec emulation.
If true.
It would make sense if the iBook comes out at the same time.
I get this strange sense that the same news is traveling in circles. Next Piper Jaffray will raise expectations because AppleInsider reported that Citigroup reported that rumor sites reported that someone heard from some "reliable" source that something may or may not happen.
Yeah, where do these 'analysts' get their information? Are they doing primary research (getting leaks from overseas manufacturers) or just relying on rumor sites?
I'd like a job like that.
Yeah, where do these 'analysts' get their information? Are they doing primary research (getting leaks from overseas manufacturers) or just relying on rumor sites?
I'd like a job like that.
Some of these guys say that they visit the factories overseas.
...... Gardner raised his target price on Apple stock to $71 from $51 ....
What's that a ... stumbles to get calculator.... 40% increase ----
Oh great googly moogly, and I sold my Apple stock on the announcement of the change to Intel chips. Time to get back in the game, I guess.