Tech giant Apple (AAPL 0.51%) reports its fiscal third-quarter earnings after the bell on Tuesday, July 22. Fresh off the heels of a phenomenal earnings report that unveiled a 7-1 stock split, expectations for this quarter are just as high. In fact, Capital IQ consensus projects EPS of $1.23; that's 15% above the split-adjusted, year-ago quarter. Revenue is expected to keep chugging along as well, growing at a more modest but commendable 7.4% year over year.
So how does Apple get there? Motley Fool Tech Analysts Nathan Hamilton and Jamal Carnette are looking at three specific items from this report. Nathan is looking at iPhone sales; while many Apple investors understand that the iPhone drives Apple's top-line, it is important to know what analysts are looking for in terms of unit sales.
Jamal turns his attention to the iPad. Last quarter, iPad unit sales dropped around 15% on a year-over-year basis. Investors want to see how Apple's second-largest product in terms of revenue performs going forward.
Finally, Nathan turns his attention to China. Although competition is fierce, Apple managed to produce nearly $10 billion in revenue there last quarter. Nathan's looking for further growth from the Middle Kingdom.
