Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray research analyst, Gene Munster, maintained an “outperform” rating and US$79 price target on Apple after “follow-up checks on iPod inventory showed third-party retailers struggling to replenish supply,” reports Forbes. “Late last week, Munster found that eight of ten Apple stores in his checks had all varieties of iPod in stock, while only two of the 20 third-party retailers checked had all varieties of iPod, but not all colors,” notes the story. “We expect iPod to continue to be a foundation for growth in other parts of Apple’s business,” said Munster. “Additionally, we believe 2006 will be a more-robust product year than 2005.”