Lack Of IPod Supply Could Pressure Street Estimates

Lack Forbes.com writes Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster is finding that Apple is struggling to replenish supplies of iPod inventory for third-party retailers. According to Munster, "eight of ten Apple stores in his checks had all varieties of iPod in stock, while only two of the 20 third-party retailers checked had all varieties of iPod, but not all colors."

Munster said, "Based on the lack of iPod supply at third-party retailers, we continue to believe that some Street estimates for iPod unit shipments for the December quarter are too high." Munster predicts 37 million iPods will ship by year end and another 9 million units in Q1 2006..

Munster added, "We expect iPod to continue to be a foundation for growth in other parts of Apple's business. Additionally, we believe 2006 will be a more-robust product year than 2005."