Fitbit (FIT) and Xiaomi (low-cost gadgets, China) sold more wearables than any other companies in Q3 (3.6 million units shipped), but both saw YOY sales declines (33% and 3%, respectively), as consumer demand gravitated from simple fitness trackers to multi-purpose smart watches. IDC Global Intelligence noted that sales of FIT’s new Ionic smartwatch ($300 retail) are off to an “encouraging” start, but that sales did not make up for the steep decline in its lower-priced wearables. Apple (AAPL), which placed 3rd in the quarter, grew sales 52% YOY; reporting 2.7 million smart watches shipped. Company sales were boosted by the September release of its Series 3 Watch, featuring LTE connectivity; enabling users to call, text and stream music without a phone.
Howie Long-Short: Samsung (OTC: SSNLF) President Young Sohn recently stated the company was looking to make a major acquisition within the digital health space, specifically within “preventive health and related technologies; leading some to believe the company could be looking to acquire Fitbit (FIT). Should SSNLF decide to acquire the wearables leader, expect FIT share prices to spike. Xiaomi Corp. remains private, but is contemplating an H2 ’18 IPO (Hong Kong the most likely destination); seeking a valuation of at least $50 billion. The company is pursuing a contrarian growth strategy; building 1,000 “Mi Home” stores (+/- 2x number of AAPL stores) by 2019, while targeting $10 billion in retail sales by 2021.
Fan Marino: Fitbit Labs, a research initiative designed to drive behavior change in FIT users, announced the upcoming launch (by end of 2017) of the Fitbit Mood Log; a clock style interface that will monitor mood, energy, physical activity, nutrition and sleep, observing patterns over time. The data collected will help users (and the company) to understand how one’s mental state effects their overall health and behavior. No athlete has done more for mental health awareness than NYG WR Brandon Marshall; you can read about his noble Project 375 organization, here.
Fitbit Is Back on Top of Wearables, But Apple Is Growing Faster
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