Susquehanna raises separate FY2012 iPhone target

Apple considers ownership of flash controller technology -- in the form of its acquisition of Anobit -- to be essential in gaining an advantage in mobile devices, claims Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu. The information is said to come from "checks with industry sources," and point to Apple wanting "increased speed, improved battery life, and potentially even a cost advantage." Wu notes that Apple has managed something similar by using its own A-series chips in iOS devices. The approach of buying companies like Anobit may also have the benefit of lessening dependence on suppliers like Samsung.

"In addition, we believe AAPL can also benefit from Anobit's enterprise technology in its efforts with its iCloud, iTunes, and its media-centric data centers," Wu comments. "We believe enterprise flash controller technology can help out in build differentiation in its cloud services offering."

Analysts at Susquehanna Financial Group have meanwhile raised their predictions for iPhone sales in Apple's fiscal 2012. Earlier Thailand-related constraints on the supply chain have been solved, the firm says, and Apple has allegedly displayed "positive sell-through data" along with intensified build plans during the present and previous quarters. For the current quarter, Apple's first for FY2012, Susquehanna has raised its iPhone estimates from 27.1 million units to 30.3 million.

"Based on our revised iPhone shipments," the firm adds, "we are increasing our fiscal 2012 first-quarter EPS estimate from $9.40 to $10.17, and our fiscal year 2012 EPS forecast from $35.10 to $36.66." iPhone sales are being fueled by the iPhone 4S, which shipped in mid-October, toward the beginning of the first fiscal quarter. Apple has traditionally shipped new iPhones much earlier, in June or July.

by MacNN Staff