14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is set to host its latest iPod event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. The Mac maker is expected to introduce new camera-equipped iPods, while the lack of surprising announcements will negatively impact the company’s shares, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster asserts.
Munster isn't expecting any surprise announcements at today’s "It's only Rock and Roll" event, according to a report by Silicon Alley Insider. "We expect Steve Jobs to introduce a new iPod lineup with a new iPod touch, new nanos, and a new classic, with cameras in the new models," Munster said in a note to clients this week. "We expect the stock to trade off on a lack of surprising announcements, representing a buying opportunity," the researcher told investors. "In our sample of 12 recent Apple events, the stock has traded -1% on the day of an event," the note read.
In his recent notes, the analyst warns investors that they will likely not be blown away by the new iPods carrying cameras. iPod sales are also dropping, he says, except for the iPod touch. According to a report by CNNMoney citing the renowned analyst, other possible announcements include a new version of iTunes with integrated social-networking features (previously hinted at), changes to the iTunes Store, including new music features with richer album artwork, as well as expanded TV and movie options on the service, adding more content and/or better viewing rights for multiple devices.
Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster has a mixed track record of predictions, as far as Apple’s announcements are concerned. However, history has shown that projecting Apple’s next move is a tough nut to crack, even for well-established analysts like Munster. As always, Apple will have the final say at its iPod event today, when hopes are higher than ever for an appearance on behalf of the company’s iconic CEO, Steve Jobs.