According to PiperJaffray analyst Gene Munster, Apple may sell only 9.5 million iPods in its third fiscal quarter, falling short of the consensus estimate of 9.8 million. Munster’s estimate is based on early April sales data from NPD.
“While it is way too early to make a definitive call on June quarter iPod results, we have analyzed the first month of NPD data (April) for the quarter and found that it suggests iPod unit (sales) of around 9.5 million,” Munster wrote in a client note. “Our current iPod unit estimate at 10.5 million is ahead of Street consensus, which is 9.8 million for the June quarter.” He also mentioned the iPhone launch, stating: “Assuming a late June launch, we believe iPhone will not materially impact numbers in the June quarter.
Worldwide Developers Conference, however, is a significant wild card in the quarter. We are expecting a full-feature demonstration of Leopard, including a demo of how Leopard will integrate Windows interoperability.”
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