Analysts: A Silver Lining In Reports Of iPhone Supply Problems

Demand for Apple’s iPhone is reportedly outstripping supply, causing some Wall Street prognosticators to caution investors yet foresee a bountiful 2010 first quarter. Friday, one analyst suggested a wait-and-see policy ahead of Apple’s October 19 revenue statement. Oppenheimer analyst Yair Reiner told investors they should “keep some powder dry” and purchase shares following the earnings report.

Apple said in September it had sold 3.5 million iPhones with three weeks left in the month. Now analysts believe Apple could report Monday sales of twice that, or more. The third quarter period would be the first since Apple released the iPhone 3GS in late June.

Reiner however sees the reported supply troubles as a sign of strong demand coming into the important holiday buying period. “With demand for the iPhone apparently outstripping supply, December could be a substantial catch-up quarter, both in terms of sell-through and channel replenishment,” he said. Reiner called his previously estimated 8 million in iPhone sales for the first quarter of 2010 “conservative” particularly in light of the growing number of carriers supporting the handset.

In related news, carrier 3 Italia said it was selling 20,000 iPhones per month and could top that if there was more supply.

The Oppenheimer statement follows another by Gene Munster, a Piper Jaffray analyst who closely watches the company. Munster, who predicted Apple will report selling around 7.5 million iPhones during the previous quarter, called talk of an iPhone shortage “a long term positive” indicating strong worldwide demand.

In 2008, the iPhone 3G was widely reported being in short supply. In that case, many felt the cause was an imminent introduction of a new model.

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[Via AppleInsider and 9to5Mac]

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