In a note to clients — as reported by “Reuters” (http://macte.ch/lKbYq) — the Susquehanna research group increased its iPhone shipment estimates as it sees the company ramping up smartphone production, now that Thailand-related constraints have been resolved. The brokerage raised its shipment estimates for the first quarter from 27.1 million units to 30.3 million units.
“The revisions are based on positive sell-through data combined with recent supply-chain checks, which suggests that earlier component constraints have largely been resolved and build plans have increased for the fourth and first quarter.” Susquehanna wrote. “Demand appears solid as iPhone 4S continues to ship in one to two weeks online and stores are generally sold out for in-store reservation and pickup.”
The brokerage also sees strong holiday sales for the iPad. Susquehanna The brokerage reiterated its “positive” rating on the stock.