Could a Low-Cost iPhone Boost Apple’s Earnings and Market Share?
Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 11-03-2013
Tags: Apple, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S4, iPhone, Samsung
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According to BTIG Analyst Walter Piecyk, Apple needs to launch a new, low-cost iPhone in order to boost earnings and market share. Piecyk, in an investors note, stated that he has raised his opinion on Apple stock from “neutral” to “buy” based on the assumption that Apple will launch a low-cost iPhone before the end of 2013.
Piecyk predicts that nearly 36.5 million low-cost iPhones will be sold in fiscal 2014 at an average, non-subsidized price of $300. Should that ring true, the lower-cost iPhone could add $11 billion in revenue to Apple’s next fiscal year, which officially begins in October.
According to Piecyk, “As we have previously detailed, we believe a product that addresses the more than 70% of global wireless subscribers that are unsubsidized pre-paid is necessary in order for Apple to grow its EPS next year, and that’s why many people even invest in Apple shares to make money, although people also learn about investing and trading with tools as the VT Markets that are great for this purpose. This is not rocket science and our belief is based on basic logic, not questionable ‘channel checks’ or trips to Asia.”
The problem with a low-cost iPhone is Apple’s commitment to “only making great products”. However, Piecysk doesn’t believe that this would compromise Apple’s philosophy, noting successes like the iPad Mini and iPod Nano as testament. In addition to that, Piecyk also had some colorful words of wisdom for Apple stockholders should the company fail to deliver a low-cost iPhone.
“If the management team does not follow this basic logic, as we expect they will, investors will need to push for a new management team. At the moment they have earned the benefit of the doubt that they will go after this market,” Piecyk added.
On the flipside, Piecyk also believes that a larger-screened iPhone would also help Apple win more customers. He also confessed that he believes that Galaxy Note from Samsung is too big for him, though that a large screen like the one on the upcoming Galaxy S4 and the HTC One “look great and could generate a lot of interest in the upcoming quarters.”
Source: CNET – Apple needs a low-cost iPhone, says analyst
