Analysts lower iPod sales estimates

Two Wall Street analysts today lowered their iPod sales estimates for Apple’s current quarter. Merrill Lynch analyst Richard Farmer cut his iPod estimate to 8.1 million units from 9.2 million units based on historical sales data. Farmer lowered full-year sales estimates to 39.4 million from 43.4 million units. American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu also lowered his estimates today, despite what he says is a strong reception to Apple’s recent back-to-school Mac-iPod promotion. Wu slightly reduced his iPod unit forecast to 8.3 million from 8.5 million. “We are seeing weaker iPod nano shipments (we believe in part due to Apple consciously drawing down inventory) offset by strength in vPods and iPod shuffle,” Wu said. “We continue to believe the iPod nano is in need of a refresh and will likely see one in the September quarter.”