Why Jefferies Cut Its Apple Price Target

Getty Images

Apple is one of Wall Street's most beloved stocks, with 50 of 58 analysts rating the stock "buy," and only one rating it a "sell." So it's noteworthy anytime an analyst lowers their rating and it's really noteworthy when an analyst cuts their price target, citing concerns about decelerating growth.

Noted Apple bull Peter Misek of Jefferies has cut his price target on the Cupertino, Calif.-based firm, pointing to worries that Apple's growth will slow, as well as potential negative margin leverage. Misek lowered his price target to $800 from $900.

Though he did not lower first-quarter estimates, Misek believes Apple's growth will start to slow down in 2014, as the markets become saturated with its products. He believes Apple will launch the iPhone 5S in June or July, compared to the September and October launches for the iPhone 5, and iPhone 4S, respectively.

"Based on our checks, likely updates include a new super HD camera/screen, a better battery, and NFC. Possible updates include an IGZO screen for Retina, 128GB storage, and coming in six to eight colors," Misek wrote in his note.

Even though Apple may push up the iPhone 5S launch, which would boost earnings per share for fiscal 2013, Misek mentioned that very early 2014 iPhone build plans indicate a deceleration in growth to around 20 percent, as the market becomes saturated. Apple shares took a pounding last week on reports of a margin hike at one clearing firm and concerns over component supplies falling next year.

Apple shares have been under siege in recent weeks, falling 21.64 percent over the past three months, compared to a 5.04 percent decline in the Nasdaq.

There are also concerns over investments in next-generation technology and more expensive semiconductor transitions, which could hurt Apple's ability to leverage margin, and bring down the earnings multiple.

Misek cut his iPad estimates for 2013, as iPad mini supply continues to be constrained. He cut his calendar first-quarter estimates to 20 million, and lowered his full calendar year estimate from 116 million to 100 million.

There's also the potential for a pre-paid iPhone, something Misek touched on in his note. He believes Apple could release such a device, though no plans have been confirmed.

"We believe there is a good chance that a low-cost iPhone could be introduced at the same event as the iPhone 5S. We believe the device would primarily be targeting pre-paid markets, and emerging markets, especially in Asia. We believe the device would have a $200-$250 price point," Misek wrote in his note.

Apple shares are lower in early Monday trading, off 1.04 percent to $527.7 in pre-market trading.

—By TheStreet.com's Chris Ciaccia

Additional News: Emerging Markets Key for Apple to Stop the Rot: Pros

Additional Views: Apple Rotten on 'Cliff,' Tax Worries: Pros

______________________________
CNBC Data Pages:

• Dow 30 Stocks—In Real Time
• Oil, Gold, Natural Gas Prices Now
• Where's the US Dollar Today?
• Track Treasury Prices Here

______________________________
Disclosures:

TheStreet's editorial policy prohibits staff editors, reporters, and analysts from holding positions in any individual stocks.

Disclaimer