FBR analyst Craig Berger told clients in a note — as reported by “Business Insider” (http://macte.ch/bBelq) — that Apple’s internal goal of selling 45 million iPads this year is “out of reach” due to production problems.
He says his sources tell him that for the second calendar quarter of 2011, production targets are 6.2 million units, and Apple could sell 6.4 million iPads for the quarter, below current expectations. Berger says touchscreen availability and Hon Hai production problems are limiting Apple.
For the third quarter, the analyst sees production dropping off to 5.2 million units thanks to component shortages and production problems. He also says the effects of the Japanese earthquake could be felt in the third quarter though this could change if touchscreen supplies improve.