Signs Point to Apple's (AAPL) iWatch Drawing Big Revenue for the Company

(Updated - February 4, 2014 12:29 PM EST)

Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iWatch hasn't been announced yet, but that doesn't mean analysts won't take a crack at what the device might possibly mean for the world's number one consumer electronics and media company.

UPDATES issued throughout:

Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty commented, Significant investment in communication and sensor technology including the acquisition of WiFiSlam, Passif Semiconductor, and PrimeSense in just the last year suggests Apple is looking to extend its platform to a wider array of devices. As a result, we view the new product category CEO Tim Cook referenced on the F1Q14 earnings call as most likely a wearable product, like an iWatch. The analyst sees Apple generating revenue around $17.5 billion for the iWatch in its first 12 months, versus $12 billion for the iPad and $2 billion for the iPhone. The outlook takes into consideration a selling price of $299 and user base as extensive as the iPads. That assumes no supply chain disruptions, however. That revenue number falls to $10 to $14 billion if demand isn't able to be met. This translates into six to 10 points of revenue growth for Apple from iWatch in CY15, the analyst stated.

Key to larger adaptation of the iWatch will be Apple's ability to position the device as a natural accessory for iOS users, like the iPad, versus a new category, like the iPod or iPhone.

Huberty noted that Apple's latest 10-Q calls for $10.45 billion of CapEx, up from $7.9 billion in fiscal 2013. With single-digit growth numbers now hitting the iPhone and iPad, a large jump in CapEx could only mean Apple is ramping another category.

Shares of Apple are up over 1 percent on Tuesday.

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Gilead Sciences (GILD) Misses Q1 EPS by 288c
• Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (NECB) Tops Q1 EPS by 12c
• South Plains Financial Inc. (SPFI) Tops Q1 EPS by 6c