Word on the Street

Bear Stearns Keeps Apple at Outperform

Analyst Andrew Neff is confident iPod sales will reach 10.5 million units in the second quarter

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Bear Stearns sees upside to Apple Computer's (AAPL) second quarter iPod sales, vs. Wall Street expectations, and reiterated its outperform rating on the shares on Apr. 6.

Analyst Andrew Neff says that despite the stream of recent estimate reductions, he has confidence in Apple reaching 10.5 million iPod units (down 25% sequentially, but above the Street consensus of 8.5-9.5 million) given his checks of suppliers and continuing strong end demand. Despite Apple's public protestations to the contrary, Neff thinks its game plan is eventually put Windows on the Mac computer. Though the timing is uncertain, he thinks it may defy the conventional wisdom, and views Windows on Mac with full support as a natural extension of Apple's strategy.

The analyst keeps his post-option EPS estimates of $2.25 for fiscal 2006 (ending September) and $2.91 for fiscal 2007. He has a 2006 price target of $100 on the shares.

All of the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the research analyst's personal views regarding any and all of the subject securities or issuers. No part of analyst compensation was, is or will be, directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this research report.
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