Apple: "international numbers are absolutely killer"

Apple's chief operations officer Tim Cook said Apple's "international numbers are absolutely killer," citing particularly strong growth in Asia, Europe and Japan. Cook noted 144% growth in China and near double growth in Hong Kong sales.

Even in Spain, where the economy has been in the doldrums of recession, Cook noted 59% growth in Mac sales. Apple will also be expanding its Spanish iPhone mobile partner from a single exclusive provider to three alternative carriers.

In its last conference call, Apple executives had pointed to a stronger US dollar as one of five factors that could depress profit margins. However, the company said margins remained higher at 39.1% due to lower transition costs than expected and favorable adjustments. Increased foreign sales also resulted in a lower tax rate.