Although Google and other tech companies have recently reported strong results
or an improved outlook, raising optimism in the sector, none have
outstripped expectations as markedly as Apple.
The company defied the consumer recession as unit sales of iPhones rose 7 per
cent and Macintosh computer shipments jumped 17 per cent in the quarter
ending in late September.
Overall profit increased to a record $1.67bn, or $1.82 a share, from $1.14bn
or $1.26 a share, shattering the Wall Street consensus forecast of $1.42. In
after-hours trading, Apple stock gained 6 per cent to a record $207.
Analysts said they saw no reason for a slowdown in Apple’s momentum, which
drove annual profit up 18 per cent to $5.7bn. The company is launching the
iPhone in China and is allying with additional wireless carriers in the UK
and elsewhere. Apple is also pushing to extend the “halo” effect from the
sales of iPhones to other devices.
It is expected to announce new versions of its desktop and portable computers
in the next few weeks, trying to extend its market share gains by reaching
consumers uncertain about upgrading to Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating
system.
Line-up for holiday season
“We’ve got a very strong line-up for the holiday season and some really great
new products in the pipeline for 2010,” said Steve Jobs, Apple chief
executive.
Executives would not give specifics but observers said both the all-in-one
desktop iMacs that combine displays and drives and the MacBook notebooks
might receive their first serious refurbishment in about two years. “There
are a lot of indications that a refresh is coming,” said Yair Reiner,
Oppenheimer analyst.
The lower-end MacBook’s plastic casing seemed dated, analysts said, and the
new desktop computers were likely to be thinner and faster. Trade
publications have reported that volume manufacturing has begun and that
Apple is offering discounts to cut the number of existing models in the
sales channel.
Taking aim at Microsoft’s Windows
Apple has increased its minority share of the personal computing market by
combining solid products with effective advertising that often takes aim at
the complexity and instability of machines running Microsoft’s Windows.
Because those commercials have worked well, some analysts suspect Apple may be
waiting to see the advertising that comes with Windows 7’s broad
availability this Thursday. It could then launch counter-ads, perhaps
focusing on the challenges of upgrading from Windows XP, which requires
reinstallation of all programs.
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