Apple "continues to increase its competitive gap"
updated 11:30 am EST, Wed February 23, 2005
New iPod increases gap
Today's iPod update widens the gap between Apple and potential competitors, research analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray said in a report this morning. According to the report, Apple "continues to increase its competitive gap." In response to criticisms that Apple is "taking a hit to margins in reaction to competitive threats," Munster says his firm believes that "Apple's changes to the product line are more offensive than defensive. Apple clearly holds the leadership position on this market and we believe these changes will widen the gap between Apple and potential competitors that are trying to chip away at iPod market share." Focusing On Halo Effect In fiscal 2005 and 2006, the firm believes "iPod carryover will impact numbers," and "iPod buyers who are PC owners will increasingly move to the Mac platform." Piper Jaffray maintains an Outperform rating on Apple's stock.
