Analysts expect Apple to beat initial estimates

The Associated Press has published its earnings preview for Apple, which reports earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter after the closing bell Tuesday. In July, Apple forecast earnings of 32 cents per share and revenue of about $3.5 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial are looking for a profit of 37 cents per share on $3.74 billion in sales, up sharply from income of 14 cents and sales of $2.35 billion in the year-ago period. "Lifted by the early September debut of its newest iPod, Apple is expected to top Wall Street estimates as it continues dominating the digital music market." But analysts say investors are already looking ahead to Apple's December quarter and question whether the company will be able to meet lofty targets. "While Apple is positioned to dramatically exceed its guidance ... given strong early success of its iPod nano launch and robust notebook demand in the education quarter, the key remains Apple's ability to deliver enough upside to its results against a rising tide of investor expectations," Bear Stearns analyst Andrew Neff wrote in a research note.

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