Pete D.

Mac Demand May Be Slowing

Everybody cites the NPD data, which isn't very accurate. The NPD data doesn't capture online sales. Trust me, the build-to-order online sales for the new macbooks and pros are significant. I just bought a macbook online in November. The Mac numbers are going to be solid when Apple reports.

Apple: Great Company with Lofty Valuation - Due for Pullback

Again with the Google and Apple PE comparisons? Really? The advertising market is contracting. Were it not for the Olympics and the Elections, the aggregate ad market would be significantly smaller this year. PEs are a measurement of market expectations for growth. Apple's growth warrants a big PE premium over Google, whose growth may well have totally stalled at the moment.

The Global Reach of the First Million 3G iPhones

The GS breakdown by country is BS. The number for AT&T in the US was more like 400,000. Transaction time simply wouldn't allow for greater sales velocity, and most AT&T stores sold out in 1.5 hours each day. The European numbers are low.

Apple: Are Investors Overlooking Cash Earnings?

This is a valid perspective. I've got a few knits on the details though. Margin estimates for iPhone may be high. Subsidy estimates are likely high. Unit forecasts are low. The assertion that FCF is a better proxy than EPS for value is open to debate. Generally FCF is the preferred metric by which to measure the success of a "growth" company. Apple fits that description. Here are some additional details on the accounting treatment. COGS for iPhone are amortized over same period as revenue recognition. However, cost of sales and development are realized up front.

Apple: Taking Some Chips Off the Table at Current Prices

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER listen to Cramer. He consistently advises action opposite to what he does with his own money. He'll pump Apple to short it, and then verbally dump on Apple to drive the price down and buy more. He's the one who said "Leave Your Money in Bear Stearns," days before the collapse. Cramer is an ass, and his followers are fools.