Apple News, Analysis and Podcasts
Apple's Q1 2012 Estimates. Seriously?...

Seriously? Take a look at these analysts number in pink/red highlight. It's these analysts that are pegging Apple's returns at or below Apple's own guidance. And that is just laughable. There is no data whatsoever alluding to such ridiculously low earnings forecasts, but I'm glad they exist!
Philip Elmer-DeWitt at Fortune has a great explanation for whisper numbers today, and also delivered this fantastic comprehensive chart. If you are wondering why the low figures are great, I would assume any Apple investor (which I am one of... a very small measly shareholder in fact), would love to see more below-the-belt forecasts. It would then give Apple space to blow the numbers away, delivering the likelihood of a strong stock climb thereafter.
But perhaps the most important factor in determining whether a stock will rise or fall after an earnings report is the companies outlook into the following quarter. Keep your eyes on what Cook and company deliver for their Q2 estimate as it may very well tip the hat as to new product entries and/or transitions within existing product lines.
