Apple CFO Drops Small Clues About Company's Big Plans

[Michael Essany]

Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer recently connected with Katy Huberty, the prominent Wall Street analyst and resident Apple watcher at Morgan Stanley.

On Friday, Huberty revealed that Mr. Oppenheimer provided some key insights into moves Apple might make in the coming months. For starters, Huberty says she walked away from the meeting with the distinct impression that Apple will likely increase the 2.3% dividend to AAPL shareholders.

"Our analysis," she told investors this morning, "suggests Apple can match the S&P IT sector's average FCF [free cash flow] payout of 68% if it returns $28B in FY13, implying a 6% total yield. High mix of international cash limited flexibility in the past but raising low-interest debt can help address this issue, in our view."

Huberty contends that Apple hasn't taken the concept of an "iPhone mini" off the table as the smaller, more affordable entry-level iOS-powered smartphone could be a big revenue driver in emerging markets.

"The company's approach to product decisions and innovation has not changed in the past several years despite the CEO transition," Huberty concluded. "Making great products remains Apple's core strategy and the company is as confident as ever about the future pipeline of new products and services."

Morgan Stanley retains a price target for AAPL at $630.

Source: Fortune

[jasvncnt10]

Ok......So am I missing where he drops small clues about company's big plans?

[fleurya]

Ok......So am I missing where he drops small clues about company's big plans?

No joke! Bigger dividend, okay that's kinda newsworthy for people invested, but not big tech news.And the thing about a smaller iphone, well they technically already have that when they made the 5! And cheaper iPhone? They have that too in the older models!

There's really nothing newsworthy here. Just a bit of filler story. I suppose that Morgan Stanley analyst is getting paid well into the 6 figures for this kind of quality work!

[se23]

I guess Clark Kent was too busy as Superman today :/

[Hillefied]

I'd rather an iPhone with a holographic interface and intuitive voice actuation than cheaper/older models flooding the market. While that seems unrealistic in the early part of the 21st century and extreme capitalism still holding a major factor in society, one can still imagine that kind of future.

[jonathan1683]

fail article

[LittleJob]

my thoughts exactly.

[luvmytj]

I assume they are referring to the iPhone Mini. Makes sense I suppose. There have been rumors for some time. Also there was an article recently showing the potential market for a lower end phone. It would fit right in with the theme lately... iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone, iPhone Mini.

[Hillefied]

I assume they are referring to the iPhone Mini. Makes sense I suppose. There have been rumors for some time. Also there was an article recently showing the potential market for a lower end phone. It would fit right in with the theme lately... iPad, iPad Mini, iPhone, iPhone Mini.

They're talking about a lower cost market, not a smaller iPhone for the same price as the iPhone 5. That is not within the theme of Apple whereas all of their devices are expensive compared to Android and Windows devices

[trialnterror]

Ok......So am I missing where he drops small clues about company's big plans?

2nd

[buggsy2]

fail article

But author win: took 15 mins to write this blather, paid for a full day of work.

[*T*]

I think even that analyst does better work than this author, and we all know how great analysts are.

[CZroe]

I'd rather an iPhone with a holographic interface and intuitive voice actuation than cheaper/older models flooding the market. While that seems unrealistic in the early part of the 21st century and extreme capitalism still holding a major factor in society, one can still imagine that kind of future.

Capitalism is what brings people what they want. It's kind of the definition: Capitalize on demand to generate profit. Once it's possible to profit from that demand, you'd better believe they will in a free market.