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Components makers gain from Apple's sales success |
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Friday, 25 February 2005 |
Components
makers gain from Apple's sales success
MarketWatch - USA
Components makers gain from Apple's sales success
Chances are that the 10 million people enjoying digital music on their iPods are
too busy scrolling through their song lists to read the legal notices embedded
in the players' software.
But those who do may have seen a reference to PortalPlayer (PLAY: news, chart,
profile) , a small, Santa Clara, Calif.-based company whose software and
semiconductors help manage files on digital music players made by Apple Computer
(AAPL: news, chart, profile) and others.
While PortalPlayer's technology flies below the radar of most consumers, it
hasn't escaped the attention of investors. Following a November IPO -- and
subsequent surge and fall -- its shares are up about 20 percent in three months,
and rose $1.02 Thursday to close at $21.10
To be sure, Apple has been the prime beneficiary of the halo effect that the
iPod's popularity has in boosting sales of its computers and other products. Yet
a group of smaller companies -- working behind the scenes to supply components
for the must-have gadget -- have been quietly enjoying the iPod's phenomenal
success.
"We like to let our customers announce their products before we announce
(ours)," said Gary Johnson, PortalPlayer's chief executive.
After Apple unveiled a revamped line of iPod mini and iPod photo players
Wednesday, analysts said the market for the devices is likely to remain hot,
benefiting the iPod's components makers.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 February 2005 )
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