UBS lauds Apple's success

UBS Investment Research – a financial analyst firm that recently turned its attention to Apple – offered its views on the iPod manufacturer, leading with statements that the company's brand "stickiness" is a boon, while also noting that there could be a delay with a new ultra-portable. According to AppleInsider, analyst Maynard Um clarified that the delay is unfortunate, but not unexpected for the tech industry, saying that such slips are "typical," with no cause for concern. Um states that the delay should be no more than the first half of 2009.

Um also leaks that Apple is expected to offer an updated line of MacBooks – its entry-level laptop – paralleling reports of new casing photos that have surfaced in the industry. He also found that Apple will introduce new iPods, both of which are scheduled for a mid- to late-2008 release. This also includes reports of additional iPhone 3G colors, with a new model following in early 2009.

UBS maintains a "buy" rating for Apple stock, with an ideal ceiling of $195 per share. The firm bases this decision on future product releases, as well as overall brand loyalty from its users. UBS also cites the iTunes brand as giving Apple an additional element of quality control over its product ecosystems, since it does not have to rely on a third party for this function.

by MacNN Staff