Apple (AAPL) shares getting a nice boost today after word circulates that it will hold a press conference next week to, presumably, introduce its much-hyped tablet device.
Apple, living up to its reputation, was light on details with its event invitation, only saying “Come see our latest creation.” The event’s scheduled for Jan. 27 in San Francisco.
Apple shares were recently up 4% at $214.02, and are closing in on their 52-week high, which certainly raises the question: How much more tablet-driven run for AAPL shares is left?
Certainly there’s “more room to go,” Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu says. “I don’t think tablet sales are all baked in yet.” How much higher is a matter of opinion. Wu has a $253 price target on Apple.
But now that the invitations have been sent and it seems almost likely that some sort of tablet will be unveiled at the end of January, MediaMemo blogger Peter Kafka embarks on the next round of speculation: who will jump on Apple’s tablet train?
He compiles a list of media companies that could potentially partner with Apple for its latest device. He believes New York Times (NYT) is “a good bet,” but doesn’t expect much from the big music labels.
Word also comes from WSJ that News Corp.’s (NWS NWSA) HarperCollins is already negotiating with Apple to bring some titles to the tablet. “Presumably other publishers – all of whom are eager for viable Kingle competitors – want in, too,” Kafka says.
As for video, Kafka says Disney (DIS) and its affiliates would be obvious partners.
“In part because (Apple CEO Steve) Jobs is both the company’s largest individual shareholder and a board member,” Kafka says. “But also because Disney CEO Bob Iger has made a point of trying out new digital distribution strategies.”
