Will Apple Start Paying a Dividend in 2012?

Apple shares broke above the $400 level Friday, but what about the stock’s prospects for 2012 — and will it start paying a dividend? One “Fast Money” analyst weighed in.

Jeff Fidacaro, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial, said Apple appears to have plenty of upside for at least the next quarter.

Fidacaro increased iPhone shipment estimates 11.8 percent to 30.1 million in the first quarter of 2012 and expects the Cupertino, Calif.-based company to sell 111.4 million for the entire year.

Apple, he said, had “two very strong secular growth stories” in the iPhone and iPad.

Fidacaro issued a “positive” rating on the stock, with a price target of $545 per share.

Apple shares traded at $401 midday, up nearly 1 percent.

Fidacaro also said he expected a new, high-definition iPad or Apple TV announcement in February, and the new LTE-based iPhone 5, which could begin production in June.

Apple, he said, was “definitely now considering” paying a dividend on its stock.

A 2 percent dividend yield would cost the company about $8 billion out of $81 billion in cash on its balance sheet.

“It would be a nice move if they can get the dividend in the first half,” he said.

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Trader disclosure: On Dec. 23, 2011, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s "Fast Money" were owned by the "Fast Money" traders: Weiss owns WLP; Weiss owns EUO; Weiss owns NIHD; Dicker owns CHK; Grasso owns ASTM; Grasso owns AVAV; Grasso owns BA; Grasso owns D; Grasso owns LIT; Grasso owns MHY; Grasso owns PFE; Grasso owns PRST; Grasso owns S; Grasso owns XLU; Najarian is long; Najarian is long MOS call spreads; Najarian is long AAPL call spreads; Najarian is long HSBC call spreads; Najarian is long VMW call spreads; Najarian is long CHS call spreads; Najarian is long RMBS call spreads; Najarian is long Long CIGX; Najarian is long CBOE; Najarian is long CME

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