Apple Stock Price Per Share: 
While there is no denying the fact that investors and analysts are concerned about the company’s slowing growth, not everybody agrees on what the future holds.
In a recent article by AppleInsider, Chris Whitmore of Deutsche Bank explains why he has maintained a “buy” rating for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Here is a brief excerpt from that piece:
“Chris Whitmore of Deutsche Bank has maintained his “buy” rating for AAPL stock, because he believes existing Apple customers will remain loyal to the company’s platform. That means customers are likely to upgrade to new Apple hardware in the future.”
He goes on to explain that he believes the company will continue to grow its user base through features including FaceTime and iMessage.
Here are some quotes directly from Whitmore regarding the iOS platform.
“The key underpinning of this view is the stickiness of the iOS platform and the substantial and growing investment (both time and money) Apple users place in it.”
“Although the U.S. phone market is well penetrated, we see substantial opportunity for Apple to grow its user base in emerging markets and further monetize existing iOS users through the living room (Apple TV, additional content, etc.).”
While there has been a lot of talk about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) becoming involved in emerging markets – such as by offering a television – there is not much concrete information suggesting that this is going to happen in 2013.
It is interesting to take note of Whitmore’s estimates regarding how many devices are currently in use:
“Whitmore estimates that there are about 400 million iPhones, iPads and iPod touches in use. With 40 billion cumulative application downloads, he estimates that there are about 100 applications downloaded per device.”
If these numbers are correct, his argument that the iOS platform could drive a “comeback” appears to be on solid ground. He also added:
“iOS users have made a significant investment in time and dollars into the iOS platform, and as a consequence the switching costs are remarkably high.”
In other words, he feels that people have so much invested in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices that making a change is not realistic.
Deutsche Bank has set a price target of $575 for Apple stock.
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DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
For more news from Apple read these articles:
What’s Up with the Apple Inc. Downgrade? Info from Will Power of Robert W. Baird
Yet Another Low-Cost Apple Inc. iPhone Update
Apple Inc. and Google Inc Slugging it out for Smartphone Supremacy
