After recently announcing the 2nd version of its sector defining Ipad, the company has now enjoyed the first few days of its launch into the US market.
Almost 1 million Ipad 2's (I would prefer something more compelling than 2!) were sold in the first weekend with some stores selling out in minutes.
Such is the fervour surrounding new Apple products that:
- the very first purchaser had travelled from France for the privilege and promptly hopped on a plane home after acquiring one!
- a student was able to sell her place in the queue for almost twice the price of an Ipad 2!
Significantly, the numbers are:
- 3 times higher than initial sales of its predecessor
- approx. 2.5 times more than estimates.
- at $499 for the basic model thats almost $499m of sales (£310m).
- using Apple's group's profit margin of 29.19% (2010 accounts), that $140.668m of profit in a weekend (this is only indicative and the profit margin used is an average across all Apple products).
- at $499 for the basic model thats almost $499m of sales (£310m).
- using Apple's group's profit margin of 29.19% (2010 accounts), that $140.668m of profit in a weekend (this is only indicative and the profit margin used is an average across all Apple products).
The profile of buyers (if correct), is also enlightening with 60% of purchases being made from existing Ipad owners.
Interesting that these sales have been achieved in a more competitive "Tablet" environment and are post Christmas when 7.3 million Ipad were sold (Oct - Dec 2010).
Not sure when, or if, "Apple fatigue" will set in, or its "coolness factor" dissipates but, for the moment the desirability appears strong so it will intriguing to see if this pattern continues across the series of global launches with the UK earmarked for the 25th March.
I write the date with a note of caution though, as I recall that, with last year's US launch numbers also being surprise, the UK launch date was pushed back until manufacturing caught up!
In light of recent events, the shares have pulled back with everything else. I am sure that sales in Japan would have also have been significant and the lack thereof could serve a significant dent to sales in the short term.
In light of recent events, the shares have pulled back with everything else. I am sure that sales in Japan would have also have been significant and the lack thereof could serve a significant dent to sales in the short term.
Finally, the health and future involvement of Steve Jobs continues to be a concern (he did premier the Ipad 2 though!), but for the time being the strategy appears to be rolling on.
At the last portfolio update (Feb 2011: Virtual Portfolio update. ), Apple represented 3.94% of the portfolio.
At the last portfolio update (Feb 2011: Virtual Portfolio update. ), Apple represented 3.94% of the portfolio.
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