And the "expert" speculation begins
Banc of America Securities reiterated a "buy" rating and adjusted estimates on Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ). Banc of America raised Apple's earnings-per-share estimates for 2005 and 2006 to $1.32 and $1.44, respectively, from $1.29 and $1.40. Apple reports fiscal third-quarter earnings on July 13. The research firm forecasts sales 5.4 million iPod units and CPU growth rates of 26% to 28%, respectively, for the fiscal third quarter. "We think this range of results will be good enough to hold the stock or mildly positive." Banc of America believes that demand for the iPod Shuffle has been weak while demand for the iPod mini has shown strength. "We expect a new Shuffle in the next few months, and believe an LCD-based refresh is needed." The research firm said that demand for the iMac has been solid while demand for the Mac mini has been weak. Banc of America has lowered the stock's price target to $43 from $44