Apple reported better-than-expected revenue, fueled by blockbuster holiday sales of the iPhone and iPad that may help ease investor concern about chief executive Steve Jobs's decision to take medical leave.
Apple reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter ended December 25th of $6 billion, or 6.43 cents a share, up 78 per cent from a year-ago net profit of $3.4 billion, or $3.67 a share.
Revenue rose 71 per cent to $26.7 billion, much better than Wall Street's forecast for revenue of $24.4 billion.
Apple, which is known for its conservative forecasts, issued an outlook that was above analysts' targets. It expects earnings for the March quarter of $4.90 a share on revenue of $22 billion.
Apple shares closed down 2.3 per cent at $340.65 on the Nasdaq and were halted in extended trading.
Reuters
