Analysts predict minimal iPhone impact on BlackBerry sales, stock

An article running this morning on the Dow Jones Newswires quotes analysts and presents information that the release of the iPhone may have minimal impact on BlackBerry sales. John Lynch of Needham & Co. tells Dow Jones that while the Palm Treo is popular with the iPhone's target market of high-end consumers and small-business owners, most of Research In Motion's business comes from the corporate market, which is not expected to be a large base of demand for the iPhone.

"I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Apple to emphasize enterprise spending, " Lynch added. "But it will be an interesting dynamic is to see if the iPhone can curb sales of the [BlackBerry] Curve and Pearl to consumer buyers." Another analyst, Lawrence Harris of Oppenheimer, wrote a client note that the iPhone may have a "small negative impact" on sales of some consumer-oriented BlackBerry devices. Meanwhile, investors in BlackBerry maker Research In Motion don't seem to concerned at all.  Dow Jones notes that RIM's shares have climbed more than 30% since the iPhone was first announced early this year.

In fact, also as Dow Jones notes, two analysts lifted their price targets on Research in Motion Monday, in anticipation of a strong earnings report. Maynard Um of UBS revised his per-share price target on RIM stock to $210 from $180 while James Faucette of Pacific Crest boosted his target to $200 from $160.