Blackberry Pearl Sales Off to a Strong Start

Merrill Lynch has upgraded Research in Motion forecasts based on the launch of the new Pearl handsets. Checks by their analysts at 20 T-Mobile stores in the USA indicate RIM?s new Blackberry Pearl smart phone is off to a strong start following its Sep 12 launch.

A number of stores reported strong sell through (including some stores that sold out in the first week), without any major media campaign by RIM.

While the analysts noted that there is some cannibalization of the 8700g device, they believe the net impact of the Pearl is extremely positive.

In their view RIM will continue to push hard in the consumer segment, with the Pearl just being the first of a family of launches.

RIM?s recent Slipstream acquisition could also enable some interesting future content delivery and web delivery applications that others such as Nokia, Motorola and Palm currently cannot match.

Merrill Lynch analyst, Vivek Arya rated the stock a Buy."

Posted to the site on 26th September 2006