RECORD QUARTERLY sales of the iPhone and Mac computers drove Apple’s revenue and net profit higher in the fourth quarter of the year.
The company posted revenue of $9.87 billion for the three months ended September 26th, compared to $7.9 billion in the same period a year ago.
Net quarterly profit rose to $1.67 billion, from $1.14 billion, a year earlier.
Falling prices, new models in the iPod range and promotions helped boost sales in the quarter.
The figures were enhanced by the highest quarterly sales of Apple’s Mac computers, which grew 17 per cent year on year to 3.05 million.
“These are phenomenal results. It proves that, even in a challenging economy, people are willing to pay for what they perceive to be . . . a good value product,” said Shannon Cross, of Cross Research.
Sales of the Apple’s iPhone rose 7 per cent to 7.4 million, just short of analysts’ estimates. However, a shortage of the product affected sales for the period.
The company unveiled its latest handset, the 3G S in June, and recently announced that the exclusive deal with O2 in Ireland was coming to an end. From 2010 the device will also be available on Vodafone Ireland’s network. It also plans to sell the iPhone in China by the end of the month.
Sales of the iPod fell 8 per cent year on year, but Apple still sold more than 10 million during the quarter.
Full year figures saw revenue at Apple rise 12 per cent and net income by 18 per cent.
Chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer said the firm expects revenue in the range of about $11.3 billion to $11.6 billion in the first fiscal quarter of 2010, with earnings per share in the range of $1.70 to $1.78. – (Additional reporting Reuters, Bloomberg)
