Apple likely to present higher-than-planned earnings

Analysts believe that Apple will present higher-than-planned quarterly earnings today. One of the reasons for the high earnings are the Apple iPods which sold very well during the last quarter and especially the holiday season.

The company sold more than 4.5 million iPods during last quarter. Another reason for Apple's high earnings are the good sales of its iMac G5 which could have reached 250,000 units compared to the estimated total of 180,000 units.

Last October the company predicted quarterly income of 39 cents to 42 cents per share on sales of $2.8 billion to $2.9 billion, but analysts now believe it will be higher - they suspect it to be approx. 49 cents and a revenue of $3.18 billion. Both are higher compared to last year in which Apple had a profit of 16 cents per share on sales of $2.01 billion.

The launch of new products like the iPod shuffle and Mac Mini this month could make it another very profitable quarter for Apple. It is believed that particularly the new iPod will give the company a new boost.

More info at Forbes