View this article at: http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/09/07/10/credit.suisse.up.on.apple/
Friday, Jul 10, 2009 11:50am
Credit Suisse raises Apple performance forecast
Apple should do better than forecast in its June quarter results, slated to be revealed July 21st, says Credit Suisse analyst Bill Shope. The company is expected to post $8.14 billion in revenue, producing $1.13 in earnings per share. The figures are below consensus estimates of $8.16 billion and $1.16, but may still mark Apple as the top computer vendor in the period, given an anticipated 3 percent decline in the industry quarter-over-quarter.

Mac sales estimates have been increased from 2.3 to 2.4 million, primarily on the basis of the updated MacBook Pro line. iPhone units are meanwhile predicted to hit 4.24 million, substantially higher than an early target of 3.86. Shope observes that Apple has accounted for no iPhone sales between March 17th and June 17th, which may mean that a good deal of iPhone revenue will carry over to the September quarter. Ignoring GAAP provisions related to the iPhone, real June-quarter revenue and EPS are thought to be $9.23 billion and $1.66.

September estimates presently sit at $8.88 billion and $1.24. Things could improve further, says Shope, should iPods prove to be a more significant factor. The only major concern for investors is said to be the gross profit margin on Macs, which should drop 3 percent in FY10. Although sales may rise 11.6 percent annually, the average selling price could fall 12.5 percent.