iPhone 5 smashes records

Apple shares hit US$700 overnight

Mike King

Mike King is a Fool.com.au Investment Analyst and Writer. He caught the investing bug more than a decade ago, at a time when the U.S. had invaded Iraq and fear reigned in the markets. His initial success as the markets took off encouraged his passion and thirst for knowledge. With 13 years behind him at one of Australia's largest domestic banks, Mike's passion for stocks led him to join a boutique funds management firm, where he stayed for four years. A seven-year stint in equity research at one of the largest investment banks in the world followed that, giving Mike a thirst to pursue his passion further. Mike holds a Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. His passion is to help retail investors invest better, and that passion was one of his primary reasons for joining The Motley Fool Australia in late 2011. Mike has written thousands of articles since joining, including for Fairfax Media, Yahoo!7, Ninemsn and has also appeared on ABC's The Business. You can see all of Mikes' holdings here

Published September 18, 2012 9:58 am AEST

Apple today announced that it had sold more than 2 million of the new iPhone 5 in 24 hours. That's more than twice Apple's previous record, set last October, when 1 million iPhone 4S units were sold in one day.

Technology research firm IDC has estimated that Apple will sell 51 million iPhone 5 units in the Christmas quarter, 35% more than the previous corresponding period. That number could be at serious risk of being beaten, if sales continue at the current clip.

Shares in Apple hit an all-time high of US$700 overnight, extending its lead as the world's largest company. That is nearly double its 52-week low of US$354. Shares are up 20% for the quarter, and nearly 75% for the year, nothing out of the ordinary for a company that has seen its share price increase nearly 100 times over since a low of US$7.07 in 2003.

Demand for the new iPhone comes despite its lack of wow factor – most of the new features were already known months before the official release, including a bigger screen, a controversial smaller connector and will run on 4G networks, including Telstra Corporation's (ASX: TLS) and Optus's – owned by Singapore Telecommunications (ASX: SGT). The phone is also taller, thinner and lighter.

Apple's smartphones and tablets have become must have fashion accessories, for legions of Apple fans. Many Australian subscribers to the old iPhone 4 will be coming off plans in the next couple of months, and the majority are expected to upgrade to the newer version.

The most controversial feature of the new phone is the smaller connector, as the company says it was necessary to keep making thinner devices. For a host of businesses, it's mixed news. Hotels that bought iPhone compatible docking devices are now faced with what to do with out-dated products.

Apple accessory manufacturers will be hoping to cash in, with a range of new products to fit the smaller dock. Consumer electronics stores will likely be rubbing their hands with glee, as the accessories market for gadgets, including smart phones and tablets, is huge and still taking off. JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) and Harvey Norman Holdings (ASX: HVN) will be hoping the new phone and associated accessories will assist them to turnaround struggling sales.

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Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in JB Hi-Fi. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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