Ming-Chi Kuo iPhone 5: Kuo Says Apple iPhone is Doing Just Fine

Ming-Chi Kuo iPhone 5: A few days back, we published a piece talking about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) cutting iPhone 5 component orders.

Although rumors continue to swirl regarding weaker than expected demand, not everybody is buying into this.

Apple Inc. (AAPL), iPhone 5Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Press Info

AppleInsider was fortunate enough to obtain a note to investors from Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, discussing fourth quarter results as well as the future of Apple.

Here is a quick peak at the article:

“The well-connected Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities expects Apple to post good fourth quarter earnings despite worries sparked by recent rumblings of iPhone shipment cuts. In fact, the analyst believes that Apple’s handset will be one of the few product lines to beat consensus.”

As you can see, Kuo is not worried that the iPhone is underperforming. In fact, he believes that the smartphone is doing better than expected.

The article goes on to say:

“Kuo estimates Apple’s “main products,” like the iPhone and iPad, saw quarter-to-quarter shipments rise over the last three months of 2012, but warns that shipments of specific devices within those lines may fall short of expectations.”

“iPhone shipments have been center stage over the past week after Apple reportedly made significant cuts to parts suppliers in December. Despite the rumors, Kuo cites supply chain checks and says Apple shipped 52 million units during quarter four to be up 93 percent quarter-on-quarter and up 41 percent year-to-year.”

If his supply chain checks are accurate, it appears that previous news regarding a slowdown may not be 100 percent true.

How do these numbers compare to Kuo’s initial forecast? Here are the statistics from the same article:

“A breakdown by model shows shipments of the newest iPhone 5 hitting more than 35 million units for the fourth quarter, which is a 3.5 percent negative adjustment to Kuo’s previous forecast of 36.5 million. Fourth quarter shipments of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 followed far behind at 9.5 million and 7.3 million, respectively.”

When you look back at 2012, estimates show that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) moved more than 140 million smartphones. Of course, this takes into account “iPhone 4s shipments of 74 million units during the first half of the year.”

Do you agree with what Kuo has to say? Do you agree that everything is fine in terms of iPhone sales?

Check back here for more updates on Ming-Chi Kuo iPhone 5.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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