WSJ: Apple Posts Higher Profit On Strong iPod Revenue

WSJ on Apple’s recent quarter:

Apple Computer Inc. reported a sharply higher fiscal second-quarter profit on strong revenue growth, helped by sales of its iPod music player.

The Cupertino, Calif., personal-computer maker posted net income of $46 million, or 12 cents a share, up from $14 million, or four cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. The recent quarter, which ended March 27, included a restructuring charge of $7 million; excluding the charge, the company had a profit of 14 cents a share.

Revenue climbed 29% to $1.91 billion from $1.48 billion a year ago.

In January, Apple said it expected earnings of eight to 10 cents a share and revenue of about $1.8 billion.

Apple said it shipped 749,000 Macintosh computer units and 807,000 iPod music players during the quarter. Gross margin was 27.8%, down from 28.3% a year ago. International sales accounted for 43% of revenue.

”We experienced growth in most areas of our business — most dramatically in selling a record 807,000 iPods, up more than 900% over the prior year,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, in prepared remarks.