Two Things Apple Must Do to Catch Up With Samsung: Analyst
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Apple is still struggling to compete with Google and Samsung, but tackling emerging markets and new products may help the company get back on track, said Alex Gauna, JMP Securities, senior research analyst, Monday on CNBC's "Squawk Box."
"The central issue is competition and getting its earnings back on the track to growth. ... Android is more pervasive globally on smartphones and Apple doesn't have an answer for that right now," Gauna said. "You've got a Samsung coming soon with the Galaxy S4, it's going to be coming out based on a Snapdragon apps processor from Qualcomm and Apple is not executing as crisply as some of the competition."
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Samsung, which boasts the top spot for smartphone market share, is debuting its latest Android powered mobile phone, the Galaxy S4, on March 14 in New York City. The smartphone is only expected to further eat into Apple's market share.
(Read More: Samsung's New Phone Will Debut on Apple's Turf)
One reason Apple has fallen behind Samsung in the smartphone battle is because the iPhone maker is still struggling to grow its market share in emerging markets. The iPhone's high price point has kept the phone from growing as fast as its competitors in countries where the emerging class can't afford to pay for the device.
(Read More: When to Expect Apple iTV, iPhone 5S and Tablets: Analyst)
New products like a widely speculated smart watch, or an iTV could help offset slowing growth in the company's iPhone business, but finding a way to deal with emerging markets is still key, Guana said.
"They do need to come out with some new products, I think they do need to address the emerging markets. ... Apple needs to find a strategy for that," Gauna, who has a "market perform" rating on the stock, said.
(Read More: Apple Smartwatch Out of 'Experimentation Phase': Report)
According to a Bloomberg report Monday, Apple is planning to roll out a smartwatch before the end of 2013. Analysts also predict that the company will unveil a TV sometime in the second half of this year.
(Read More: An Apple Smartwatch May Boost Revenue $9 Billion: Analyst)
Before either of those speculated products launch, though, analysts have said that a less expensive iPhone is on its way this Summer, which could help the company grow in emerging markets.
(Read More: Apple iTV Coming Late This Year: Munster)
"As for the iWatch or iTV, we'll have to see. You know, Tim Cook just recently said they are a company that is focused and if they focus in the wrong areas they lose," Gauna said. "If they focus and innovate in the right areas they can get back on track. But right now, I think what is central to them is the iPhone, expanding that product category and getting that category back to earnings appreciation."
(Read More: Big Disappointment–Apple iTV Not Coming: Pro)
