Apple posts 7th consecutive profitable quarter

Apple Computer announced Wednesday that strong iMac sales led the company toits seventh consecutive profitable quarter, with a profit of $114 million onsales of $1.56 billion. This compares with the same quarter a year ago, whenApple made $101 million. Most notably, Apple wasn't yet selling the iMac atthis time last year, which has bolstered the company's outlook. Half ofApple's sales come from outside the United States.

"We are delighted to report our seventh consecutive profitable quarter,"said Apple "iCEO" Steve Jobs. "Apple is growing faster than the industry,driven by the continued success of iMac in our consumer and educationmarkets."

Indeed, Apple's unit growth for the year was 40%, compared to industryaverage 21%. The cynical among us might note that when you're climbing upfrom the cellar, it's pretty easy to make strong gains. And with $3.1billion in the bank, Apple is primed for its rumored purchase