Apple's Next Quarter Looking Good

Apple has managed to prove all of the naysayers and analysts wrong with their third quarter results. The quarter proved to be a very profitableone for Apple, and the next one promises to be as well.

"We're very pleased to report the second highest quarterly sales and earnings in Apple's history, resulting in year-over-year revenue growth of 24 percent and earnings growth of 48 percent," said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's CFO, in the press release. "Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we expect revenue of about $4.5 to $4.6 billion. We expect GAAP earnings per diluted share of about $.46 to $.48, including an estimated $.03 per share expense impact from non-cash stock-based compensation, translating to non-GAAP EPS of about $.49 to $.51."

Indeed, the fourth quarter promises to be a good one, not only will Mac Books be available thought the entire quarter, but also, Mac Pros and Leopard are expected to make their entrance to the scene, as well as new iPods and possibly full feature movie content on the iTunes Music Store.

Analysts currently expect Cupertino, California-based Apple to earn 51 cents per share, on average, within a range of 43 cents to 60 cents, on revenue of $4.89 billion.