Bernstein: Sub-$1K Notebook Could Increase Apple Revenue By 69 Percent

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As we await Apple’s Tuesday notebook announcement, one analyst says offering a sub-$1,000 notebook could increase Apple’s potential revenue by up to 69 percent.

If Apple unveils a $900 laptop, the move would increase Apple’s potential revenue by 50 percent, Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi said in a Monday note to investors.

If rumors are true and the Cupertino, Calif. company rolls out an $800 laptop, the news could boost Apple revenue by 69 percent.

The analyst also upgraded Apple stock to Outperform from Market Perform, calling the shares “overly discounted” and not taking into account the iPhone revenue expected to be generated in 2009.

Sacconaghi expects Apple to sell between 15 million and 20 million iPhones next year with a 13 percent increase in Macs sold in 2009.

The Bernstein analyst optimistically preducted many of the 130 million iPod owners will become iPhone buyers.

Despite his confidence, he cut the target price of Apple shares to $135 from $175, citing a December outlook that likely misses analyst expectations. He now estimates $38.2 billion for Apple’s fiscal 2009 revenue, down from the previously expected $39.4 billion.

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