comScore and Piper Jaffray Agree that iTunes Sales are Surging
RESTON, VA, December 14, 2006 - comScore Networks, a leader measuring the digital age, today reported that revenue from Apple Computer's iTunes digital media download service rose by 84 percent during the first three quarters of 2006 versus the same period one year ago as a result of a 67 percent increase in the number of iTunes buying transactions and a 10 percent increase in the dollars spent per transaction.
Sales of iTunes Q1-Q3 2006 vs. Q1-Q3 2005 |
|
Revenue |
+84% |
Number of Buying Transactions |
+67% |
Dollars Spent per Transaction |
+10% |
"As Mark Twain
might have said, the rumors of iTunes' death have
been greatly exaggerated," said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks. "In contrast to a
recent research report indicating that iTunes sales
have declined by 65 percent, comScore data show that iTunes
sales actually grew 84 percent during the first three quarters of 2006 versus
year ago."
Further,
the comScore analysis found the number of people using the iTunes
service has also increased. The iTunes application
attracted 20.8 million unique visitors in November 2006, up 85 percent from
November 2005.
Unique Visitors to the iTunes Application * November 2006 vs. November 2005 Total U.S. Home, Work and University Internet Users Source: comScore Media Metrix |
|||
|
Nov-05 (000) |
Nov-06 (000) |
Percentage Change |
Total Internet Population (U.S.) |
169,747 |
173,686 |
2% |
iTunes Software (App) |
11,270 |
20,801 |
85% |
* Includes only active usage over the Internet.
comScore and Piper Jaffray Data Closely Aligned
comScore's
findings align closely with a report from analyst Gene Munster of the
investment banking firm Piper Jaffray, who wrote in a
research report that the number of songs sold per week on iTunes
had risen 78 percent in the first nine months of 2006 compared with the same
period in 2005. "Contrary to recent reports suggesting sales on iTunes are declining rapidly, our analysis of Apple company
data shows strong growth year over year," said Munster. "With less than 5
percent of music purchased online, this market will go through massive growth
in the next several years," he added.
comScore's analysis is based on the online behavior of
1 million
About comScore Networks
comScore Networks is a global leader in measuring the digital age. This capability is based on a massive, global cross-section of more than 2 million consumers who have given comScore permission to confidentially capture their browsing and transaction behavior, including online and offline purchasing. comScore panelists also participate in survey research that captures and integrates their attitudes and intentions. Through its proprietary technology, comScore measures what matters across a broad spectrum of behavior and attitudes. comScore consultants apply this deep knowledge of customers and competitors to help clients design powerful marketing strategies and tactics that deliver superior ROI. comScore services are used by global leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Verizon, Best Buy, The Newspaper Association of America, Tribune Interactive, ESPN, Fox Sports, Nestlé, MBNA, Universal McCann, the United States Postal Service, Merck and Expedia. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com.
Contact:
Michael Rubin
Analyst
comScore Networks
(312) 775-6538
press@comscore.com