After setting two heavily reported stock price records in recent days, BusinessWeek’s latest report expects Apple stock to rise in the coming year on continued sales of Macintosh and iPhone/iPod Touch products, in addition to the introduction of new devices. And by new devices, they are hinting at the upcoming Apple Tablet. The story quotes Analyst Brian Marshall from Broadpoint AmTech, Inc. who wrote, “Apple remains the best technology company on the planet,” in a report on Tuesday, December 29.

Marshall expects Apple’s stock to rise 23 percent to $260 in the next year and recommends buying it. “Its business model is becoming stronger over time.” Can’t say we disagree with him. Apple has defied all odds in recent history to emerge as a serious threat to major industries, and with growth at a healthy clip, we don’t see Apple falling off its perch anytime soon.