Satellite Standard Group is reporting that the May NPD Group retail satellite radio reports have been released, and the preliminary results are:
Sirius: 54%
XM: 46%
At the same time, Bridge Ratings released their own 15 week projected satellite radio retail sales totals:
Sirius: 49.8%XM: 50.2%
Facinating. So who's right? Now, I need to note that the timelines are not the same between the two retail reports above. And of course, as we always hear, NPD Group doesn't take into account Walmart sales. And, Bridge also only surveyed 7 markets. So... that brings us back to the original question - who's right?
"So who's right?"
Does it matter much? Let's just split the difference:
SIRI: 52%
XM: 48%
Pretty close race. I doubt that the split will ever be more than 10 points apart from this point on.
I wonder when HD radio will fit into the equation. HD vs SDARS, now that's a comparison I'm dying to see.
NPD also does not track radioshack, sirius' #1 retailer
I'm not sure how you don't factor in Walmart, but I think SatelliteRadioFan's observation is pretty on target. The figure will vary depending on locality (I'll bet Sirius outsells XM 2 to 1 in the NYC area, for example) but the average nationally is probably pretty close to his combined figures.
Last I heard Bridge doesn't count Radio Shack sales so the Wal-Mart exclusion from NPD isn't much of a deal.
What kind of trash buys their electronics at Wal-Mart anyway?
the bridge rating is more accurate because it brings the country's largest retailer into the equation AND focuses on 7 major markets. having a complete cross section is what makes polls more accurate, not how many people who ask.
You guys are forgetting that Sirius has made a huge impact in Walmart recently. There sales are going to be better than previous quarters at Walmart.
And let's not forget that NPD actually got it wrong last quarter. They UNDERSTATED Sirius by 6%, meaning that somewhere Sirius made up a whole lot of ground (OEM).
Sirius is picking up the pace and I wouldn't doubt if this Quarter is another win for Sirius. I believe with NFL coming in Q3 and XM losing NASCAR at the end of Q4, this year is going to be huge for Sirius. They are going to make up a lot of ground.
Just look at what management is saying about the companies. And the fact that sub counts are going up for Sirius and down for XM everytime they are mentioned.