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Tag: asia

  • DHL launches suite of semiconductor logistics solutions

    DHL launches suite of semiconductor logistics solutions

    DHL is revamping its logistics offering for the semiconductor industry by bundling individual solutions under DHL Semiconductor Logistics. This suite of services covers the entire value chain from inbound to manufacturing facilities through to final distribution to end users and provides end to end visibility of products, full compliance with international regulations and maximum security of sensitive and high value goods.

    “With more than 3,000 dedicated employees and 50 facilities worldwide, we have built extensive infrastructure and expertise for the semiconductor industry. With our new offer, we connect DHL’s broad capabilities, enabling us to individually service our customers along their complete supply chain in a cost-efficient way. This becomes crucial for an industry that requires special logistics to be a competitive differentiator,” said Rob Siegers, president, DHL Technology Sector.

    The semiconductor industry is undergoing significant changes due to the increased demand created through trending digitisation and Internet of Things applications. After a moderate growth in 2016, the market is expected to grow in revenues by 16.8 percent surpassing first time a market value of US$400 billion, mainly driven by shortages in the supply in the memory segment.

    In combination with increased merger and acquisition activities, growth coming from automotive and industrial applications as well as wearable consumer devices, changes in manufacturing and supply networks are common. DHL’s new suite of semiconductor logistics services addresses this development and is designed to improve flexibility and agility of semiconductor supply chains.

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  • AEON and Thai Airways Offer Business Class of travel to Japan

    AEON and Thai Airways Offer Business Class of travel to Japan

    Mr. Kiyoyasu Asanuma (Centre), Managing Director of AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited has coorporated with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited to provide special offers to AEON Royal Orchid Plus Platinum Cardmembers (VISA payWave and JCB) under the campaign “Ultimate Happiness in Japan with AEON Royal Orchid Plus Platinum Card”.

    Card members will be exploring their ultimate travel experience from luxurious Business Class travel to Japan with Thai Airways. AEON customers will get Thai Airways round-trip Business Class ticket from BKK – Japan value 65,000 baht when spend 3,500,000 baht or more or earn up to 5,000 bonus miles when spend 500,000 baht or more at any participating stores worldwide. The campaign runs from now until September 30, 2017.

     

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  • Bolloré Logistics Crowned Best Green Logistics Operator at the 2017 AFLAS Awards

    Bolloré Logistics Crowned Best Green Logistics Operator at the 2017 AFLAS Awards

    Present on June 29th at the 2017 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards (AFLAS) organized by Asia Cargo News and held in Singapore at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Bolloré Logistics received the Best Green Logistics Operator award in front of the transport and logistics community.

    Mr. Yves Laforgue, Chief Operating Officer at Bolloré Logistics Asia Pacific, was honored to receive the award on behalf of the company from the hands of Mr. Ian Kwok, Assistant General Manager of Aviation Logistics at the Airport Authority of Hong Kong. “Bolloré Logistics is honored to have been recognized as ‘Best Green Logistics Operator’ at the award presentation ceremony where many international transport and logistics companies gathered,” mentions Mr. Yves Laforgue. “This distinction rewards the steps taken by Bolloré Logistics in an effort to offer more eco-friendly solutions to its clients in the Asia Pacific region,” Mr. Yves Laforgue adds.

    Organized annually by Asia Cargo News – the only newspaper covering logistics and cargo supply chains in the Asia Pacific region – this event recognizes transport and logistics service providers for their excellence in service quality, innovation, customer relationship management and reliability. Thousands of shippers and customers voted for the 2017 AFLAS winners, therefore truly reflecting the opinion of the industry experts. The nomination criteria followed a technical evaluation. At first, the top eight firms in each category were short-listed; after which, the top three firms in each category made up the final shortlist.

    A Glance at Bolloré Logistics’ Green Projects in Asia Pacific

    As an effort to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Asia Pacific region, Bolloré Logistics introduced in 2015 its very first hybrid shuttle from its “Green Hub” in order to serve the fashion and luxury industry in Singapore.

    To pursue its commitments towards a more eco-friendly supply chain, Bolloré logistics is also continuing its actions for the setup of environmentally-responsible buildings. Since its “Green Hub” in 2013, logistics hub in Singapore to be Green Mark Platinum* and LEED Gold* certified, Bolloré Logistics launched two other green building initiatives in Asia. In 2016, Bolloré Logistics Australia moved to a brand new 5-Star Green*** rated warehouse and office spaces located at Melbourne Airport.

    More recently, Bolloré Logistics South Korea installed a 264-sqm urban farm on its office rooftop building in Seoul, South Korea, as part of the Group’s initiative to promoting “Green Projects” and protecting the biodiversity.

    Bolloré Logistics’ SAVE PROGRAM

    With SAVE PROGRAM, Bolloré Logistics supports its customers aiming at reducing GHG emissions and atmospheric pollutants along the supply chain, thus limiting environmental impact. SAVE PROGRAM acts on two levers: improving air quality in urban areas and fighting against climate change.

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  • New technology for greater transparency and more secure processes in the warehouse

    New technology for greater transparency and more secure processes in the warehouse

    As part of its B2B logistics services, Arvato is focusing its packaging process across Europe on camera technology for the first time to further increase the already high process reliability in the supply chain. To do so, cameras installed above the packing stations document whether each shipment is complete and contains the right contents in the right packaging. “We’ve already put this in place for packages and are currently working on a pallet-level solution,” says Thomas Becker, Executive Vice President Hightech & Entertainment at Arvato SCM Solutions. “The primary advantages include traceability and identifying sources of error. This cuts down on costs and helps us when dealing with possible customer complaints.”

    The consumer electronics industry’s interest in the ongoing optimization of the security measures in the supply chain is high. “As a manufacturer of premium cameras, security is our top priority,” confirms Christopher Brawley, Managing Director for Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Europe GmbH. This is largely due to the value of the goods; for example, the sales price of the newly launched medium-format GFX 50S runs several thousand euros. “There is no general solution that is right for every industry and every customer. Instead, we are convinced that every process step can be improved through new and innovative solutions to guarantee a secure supply chain overall and a corresponding added value for our customers,” says Alexander Jeske, who is responsible for innovation management in the Hightech & Entertainment division at Arvato SCM Solutions. This is an approach that is entirely in the spirit of Fujifilm.

    Arvato runs the European central hub in Düren in North Rhine-Westphalia and is responsible for all B2B logistics for the world’s largest photography and imaging company. In addition to warehousing, order picking, shipment packaging and transport management, the services Arvato provides in part of the 75,000 m2 logistics center today include the procurement of materials as well as numerous value-added services. The fulfillment services further include postponement activities, such as assembling sets, repackaging and bundling goods as well as “countrymizing,” which means applying country-specific product characteristics.

    “Security has always been the focus of all our services ever since we started working together ten years ago,” emphasizes Thomas Becker. Fittingly, Arvato’s Düren location holds a TAPA certification (Transport Asset Protection Association) for high-quality products and focuses on automation and innovation in the supply chain. This means that all incoming shipments with Fujifilm products, including high-quality cameras, lenses and other photography accessories, are checked for completeness by an automated weight and volume control system. This prevents more than just stock differences since the geodata registration also serves as the basis for each additional control action along the supply chain. According to Thomas Becker, “This seamless transparency and control enables us to prevent damages and losses along the supply chain and to document shortfalls with our suppliers.”

    In addition to the camera documentation system now in place as part of the packaging process, Arvato is currently reviewing additional measures related to its innovation activities to further increase security in the supply chain. These include applications to create complete transparency in last mile delivery and solutions to localize high-quality goods in the distribution process in close to real time.

    Thomas Becker says, “We work in close cooperation with our partner, Fujifilm, on each and every measure since the technology used must always meet the customer’s individual requirements.”

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  • NEC opens first Advanced Centre for Experimentation (ACE) in Singapore

    NEC opens first Advanced Centre for Experimentation (ACE) in Singapore

    NEC Corporation and NEC Asia Pacific today announced the opening of NEC’s first Advanced Centre for Experimentation (ACE), aiming to facilitate the company’s global Research & Development capabilities.

    The ACE is strategically located in Singapore, with its favorable research ecosystem and infrastructure, and forms a key component of NEC’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region. Operated by NEC Laboratories Singapore (NLS), the ACE leverages NEC’s core technologies and advanced solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and ICT platforms, to create new value and contribute to a safer, smarter living environment for people and communities.

    The facility allows co-creation of solutions and provides a “living lab” for proof-of-concepts foradvanced solutions that help customers and partners, including governments and enterprises, in areas such as public safety, transportation and healthcare. This enables close collaboration with NEC researchers in a real world environment, and makes it possible to clearly understand thebenefits of new solutions before commercial deployment and operation.

    In conjunction with the opening of the ACE, NLS, which currently is staffed with 33 researchers/solution engineers, will hire an additional 50 researchers/solution engineers within the next three years, mainly specializing in AI, the Internet-of-Things, Cognition and cyber security, thereby contributing to the further development of Singapore’s R&D talent pool.

    “We are delighted that NEC has chosen to establish their ACE in Singapore. This investment by NEC is a strong testament of Singapore’s talent pool and innovation capabilities to drive the digital transformation of industries.  The ACE will enrich Singapore’s digital ecosystem, and will foster new partnerships for the co-creation and commercialization of new solutions from Singapore,” said Tung Meng Fai, Director, Infocomms and Media, Singapore Economic Development Board.

    “The establishment of the ACE is a significant milestone for us as it is the first of its kind for NEC globally. NEC is investing more than S$100 million in the Asia Pacific region over the next five years mainly for research and development, and the set-up of the ACE in Singapore is the heart of this investment. This experiment facility underscores NEC’s strong commitment to business in Asia Pacific,” said Tetsuro Akagi, Senior Vice President of NEC Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of NEC Asia Pacific. “Leveraging NEC’s technological innovation in AI and big data analytics, we hope to innovatively help governments and enterprises across the region in their digital transformation journey.”

    Established in September 2013, NLS aims to accelerate time-to-market of NEC’s solutions for society. NLS core expertise is in the study of social concerns jointly with government, enterprises, and research institutes, and proposing a combination of advanced information communication technologies to form new solutions to solve a broad range of business and social challenges.

    NLS has conducted joint research projects with partners and customers around the world. This includes SMRT Buses, a public bus transport operator in Singapore. SMRT Buses and NEC launched Singapore’s first telematics monitoring system consisting of eco-drive sensors that monitor and analyze bus captains’ driving behavior in 2014. This has led to another innovative project with SMRT Buses to develop the Professional Learning and Training Management System (PROLEARN). PROLEARN provides a comprehensive approach to constantly monitor, proactively manage, and provide customized training for drivers with relevant operational and industry-specific competencies using NEC’s big data analytics technology.

  • Domestic air carriers post huge profits in H1

    Domestic air carriers post huge profits in H1

    Domestic airlines posted huge revenues and profits in the first half of 2017 following a 19.5% year-on-year growth of the aviation market with the number of air passengers reaching 30.3 million, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV).

    There are currently 63 foreign airlines from 25 countries and territories operating international flights to and from Vietnam.

    On the domestic market, four domestic airlines namely Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines and VASCO are operating 52 domestic air routes connecting Hanoi, Danang and HCMC with 18 local airports. Local and foreign carriers also have conducted chartered flights to Can Tho, Dalat and Vinh among others.

    Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, two domestic largest airlines, both posted huge revenues and profits in the year’s first half.

    Vietjet’s business report for the first six months of 2017 released last week shows that both revenue and profit of the airline far exceeded the plan.

    In particular, Vietjet posted revenue of over VND10.7 trillion (nearly US$472 million), up 45.1% compared to the same period last year, and reaching 108% of the six-month plan. Its pre-tax profit amounted to nearly VND1.1 trillion, up 46% year-on-year.

    Vietjet is operating 73 domestic and international air routes. The number of people flying with Vietjet in January-June totaled 8.27 million, a rise of 22.4% year-on-year.

    Meanwhile, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines served nearly 10.3 million air passengers in the first six months of 2017, increasing by 6% compared to the same period last year.

    The airline’s revenue totaled nearly VND43 trillion, up 18% year-on-year, and pre-tax profit was estimated at VND830 billion, 51% of the year’s plan.

    As of mid-2017, Vietnam Airlines had a fleet of 11 Boeing 787-9 and seven A350 aircraft.

    The growth of the domestic aviation market is forecast to slow down in the coming time but double-digit growth will be achievable.

    However, the business performance of the airlines may be affected when the country’s biggest airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, are partially closed for repair and upgrade by the end of this year.

  • Just 15% of Hong Kong firms back up data on public cloud

    Just 15% of Hong Kong firms back up data on public cloud

    More than 50% of Hong Kong companies are concerned about their data being at risk in case of a ransomware attack, but only a few are currently using public cloud data backup services that could help mitigate the impact of such malware infections, research indicates.

    “Only 15% of enterprise respondents said they are using data backup on public cloud although there is a high level of awareness for this type of service,” said Professor John Bacon-Shone, associate dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of the Social Sciences Research Centre at the University of Hong Kong (HKUSSRC).

    He was citing a key finding in the Ransomware and Cloud Readiness survey presented yesterday by HKUSSRC and BSA The Software Alliance.

    The survey was conducted in two phases – a baseline survey from March 28 and April 24 before the WannaCry ransomware outbreak and a follow-up survey from June 29 and July 12 in the aftermath of WannaCry.

    Corporate respondents came from major vertical industries, such as manufacturing, construction, real estate; import/export trade; retail; accommodation and food services; information and communication; and finance and insurance to name a few.

    Security issues dampen adoption

    Bacon-Shone said over 50% of respondents have cited security issues as the primary reason for not using data backup services powered by public cloud.

    “The top three security issues cited were confidentiality considerations, safety concerns and no confidence in security,” he added.

    According to the survey, over a third of Hong Kong companies are backing up data more than three times a week. However, more than 75% of them have adopted a non-cloud option for their primary data backup, despite widespread awareness of the availability data backup services on public cloud. What’s more, nearly 80% have said they are unlikely to consider data backup on the public cloud in the future.

    “Recognition of the importance of having data backup is critical, but taking concrete steps to perform offsite secure backup which may include public cloud backup is a different story,” said Bacon-Shone.

    He noted that local regulation has long required data users to safeguard personal data from unauthorized or accidental access, processing, erasure, loss or use.

    “The new EU law on data protection – the General Data Protection Regulation – is due to become enforceable in May 2018. This will include much stronger sanctions (of up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater) and requires a risk-based accountability.

    “This is why there is an essential need for companies to implement offsite secure backup, which may include public cloud backup, but will require careful choice of trustworthy providers of backup services,” he added.

    Conduct due diligence

    Tarun Sawney, senior director of APAC at BSA, said that companies should conduct due diligence before choosing a cloud service provider to deliver data backup services.

    “When considering the choice of trustworthy providers of cloud services, companies should carefully consider the quality of service offered, particularly in relation to the four key pillars – privacy, security, compliance and transparency,” he said, adding that they should check whether these providers are compliant with international and national standards such as ISO 27018, ISO 27017 and ISO 27001.

    Meanwhile, he noted that the survey findings showed companies in Hong Kong currently lack an understanding of what the cloud has to offer in enhancing their overall cybersecurity defense strategy.

    “There is a staggering gap between the level of awareness and the actual efforts local enterprises undertake in protecting themselves against future cyberattacks. Experts have said that having more than one way of backing up is probably the way to go. And public cloud data backup offers a very cost-efficient option for business,” Sawney said.

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  • 4Fingers eyes expansion in Malaysia

    4Fingers eyes expansion in Malaysia

    Singaporean fast-casual restaurant chain 4Fingers plans to open 20 outlets in Malaysia over the next four to five years.

    With its fourth store in Malaysia just opened in Berjaya Times Square, the company’s expansion plans also extend to Asia Pacific.

    “We are certainly exploring the right, accessible areas where our chicken will be in demand,” says CEO Steen Puggaard.

    In just four years, 4Fingers has grown from one to 21 outlets, including Australia and Indonesia. It also has Europe and the US on its radar.

    With RM3.2 million (US$740,000) invested in its first four Malaysian outlets, it is seeking further leases to meet the country’s growing demand for fried chicken, says Puggaard. “With customers also asking for 4Fingers to be delivered to their doorstep, we are exploring having a delivery service as well.”

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  • Fast Retailing Indonesia taking Uniqlo to East Java

    Fast Retailing Indonesia taking Uniqlo to East Java

    Fast Retailing Indonesia is reaching out to new markets with the impending opening of two Uniqlo fashion stores in Surabaya, East Java.

    The Japanese retail giant’s expansion to the provincial capital adds to the 11 Uniqlo stores already in Indonesia.

    Fast Retailing Indonesia president/director Michiaki Tanaka says the Surabaya stores are part of his company’s plan to reach all customers across the country.

    Being launched next month, the stores are being built in Surabaya’s biggest shopping centres, Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan Plaza.

    Uniqlo has 1800 stores in 18 countries.

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  • MPT launches FTTH in Yangon

    MPT launches FTTH in Yangon

    Myanmar’s MPT has announced the launch of FTTH services in parts of the nation’s largest city Yangon.

    The new service offers speeds of 5Mbps for 69,000 kyat ($50.64) per month, or 10Mbps for 109,000 kyat per month.

    The operator is offering the service on a 12 month contract and charging an installation fee of 150,000 kyat, rising to 200,000 kyat after a promotional period ends.

    MPT has deployed the services in parts of downtown Yangon, and plans to expand the rollout to other areas of Yangon and to Mandalay early next year and to other major cities across the nation throughout that year.

    “We are pleased to offer customers a truly enriching internet experience in their homes at greater value,” MPT chief commercial officer Reizo Umeda said.

    “The new fiber-based service will provide fast and reliable connectivity to online services, from web browsing, social media, streaming videos, gaming as well as those that require higher bandwidth capacity for connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Also as thanks to our valued customers, we are launching this service with an attractive introductory installation price, which we hope residents will take advantage of.”

    MPT entered a partnership with Japan’s KDDI and Sumitomo for both its fixed and mobile operations as part of the 2014 liberalization of Myanmar’s telecoms sector.

  • Cabbeen Fashion scrambles for market share

    Cabbeen Fashion scrambles for market share

    Both revenue and net profit for Chinese menswear designer brand Cabbeen Fashion fell for its half-year to the end of June.

    In the face of China’s economic slowdown plus fierce competition, the company initiated restructuring and cost-saving measures during the period, also streamlining its retail network with a greater focus on shopping malls. It closed 59 underperforming shops to end the half-year with 840 outlets.

    Its unaudited consolidated results show the group achieving 24.3 per cent less revenue at RMB406 million (US$60 million). Operating profit fell 3.7 per cent to RMB138.1 million.

    Gross profit margin increased to 53.5 per cent from 50.2 per cent.

    Total retail revenue generated by stores declined by 11.8 per cent, compared to 5.3 per cent for the same period last year, mainly because of the shop closures. This also resulted in same-store sales growth declined by 4.9 per cent, compared to 6.9 per cent for the same period last year.

    However, retail sales revenue from online shops grew by more than 32 per cent to RMB128.2 million. Its online stores include JD.com, Tmall, Wechat and the official website.

    With consumer preferences becoming more sophisticated, the company says it invested in its in-house design and R&D capabilities. It tightened the team to 72 from 133, including 21 (down from 28) designers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, other Asian countries and Europe. The company also works with design institutes and contract designers around the world.

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  • Hang Lung profits hit by falling rents

    Hang Lung profits hit by falling rents

    Falling rents have hit profits for Hang Lung Properties, which has posted a 4 per cent decline in underlying net profit to HK$3 billion (US$383.9 million) in its first half.

    Asset-enhancement initiatives in Hong Kong and Shanghai also caused disruption of rental income, but this was for a short term and had been expected.

    However, total operating profit rose 5 per cent to $4.541 billion and $4.743 billion year on year for Hang Lung Properties and Hang Lung Group respectively.

    Chairman Ronnie Chan Chi-chung says the group achieved a solid performance on its core leasing business against a backdrop of challenging business conditions, and a yuan depreciation of 5 per cent.

    Rental income from its eight mainland shopping malls rose 2 per cent to RMB1.338 billion (HK$1.55 billion), with the rental revenue of Shanghai Plaza jumping 23 per cent.

    Total revenues of the six malls outside Shanghai fell 3 per cent, however, with some having to downwardly adjust rents to optimise tenant mix and occupancy, says the group.

    For instance, rental income at its Shenyang mall dropped 28 per cent, as it had to replace non- performing tenants, but the retail sales had mild growth despite lower occupancy.

    In Hong Kong, commercial portfolio revenues slipped 1 per cent to $1.118 billion, but Chan says the group’s main business focus is on the mainland where it has 250 million sqft of land reserves awaiting development.

    However, the group may also consider undertaking more redevelopment projects in the old districts of Hong Kong.

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  • Vinyl record pop-ups pay off for ‘stunned’ retailer

    Vinyl record pop-ups pay off for ‘stunned’ retailer

    Two years of vinyl record pop-ups for collectors have left retailer Nick Langford stunned by the level of interest in the vintage format.

    He started his business with a shipment of 10,000 LPs (long-playing records) in 2015.

    “It’s all about vinyl,” says Langford, who holds the pop-up events each month at SoHo’s Culture Club Gallery.

    “Every genre from the ’50s onward is covered, including new issues from Hong Kong artists like Blood Wine or Teenage Riot,” says the English expat, who describes the demand as “quite extraordinary”.

    A worldwide vinyl revival kicked off about 10 years ago, with sales are set to reach US$1 billion for the first time this year. Sony Music is launching a record-pressing plant in Japan to cope with demand, much of it driven by the Asian market.

    Langford started by buying a collection of 10,000 records which he had flown to Hong Kong in 95 boxes. “It took me four months to get them in order, and it cost a lot of money, but it was worth it,” he says.

    While organising a recent purchase of ’60s flexi-discs from China, he found a first pressing of a Beatles record that had been put back into the wrong sleeve. He says it is such discoveries that keep collectors hunting.

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  • Mirvac launches bespoke nanny service

    Mirvac launches bespoke nanny service

    Retail landlord, Mirvac, has launched a new nanny service across two of its shopping centres, with plans to roll the service out nation-wide by 2019.

    Mirvac’s Shopping Nanny allows customers at Rhodes Waterside NSW and Kawana Shoppingworld QLD to book up to two hours of complimentary childcare, as part of Mirvac’s national centre loyalty program Mums & Co.

    Parents can also choose whether the nanny accompanies them while they shop, or entertains the child in a designated play area on site. The company has recruited Lullaby Nanny Share which will provide the carers.

    The concept was designed by Mirvac’s program, Hatch, and was initially trialled at Rhodes Waterside. According to the retail landlord, customer feedback indicated that the ability to shop stress-free, try on clothes in the changing rooms and enjoy a coffee with friends were their top reasons for enjoying the service. Being able to have the nanny accompany them while they shopped was also a key benefit, with over 60 per cent choosing this option.

    Susan MacDonald, head of Mirvac Retail, said the service was testament to the company’s investment into creating more meaningful and engaging experiences for its customers beyond the realms of retail.

    “We are dedicated to creating value for our customers, and for us, this value is defined through experience – listening to customer needs and trends and responding with innovative solutions that in turn deliver evermore rewarding experiences in our centres,” said MacDonald. “Shopping Nanny is a great example of this ideation in process.”

    Group GM, innovation, Teresa Giuffrida, said Mirvac “actively sought feedback from our customers and extensively tested this concept before implementing, so we know this is a service our customers will love.”

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  • Apple revenue rises on iPhone boost

    Apple revenue rises on iPhone boost

    Apple has reported a 7.2 per cent rise in quarterly revenue, buoyed by better-than-expected sales of its iPhones ahead of the smartphone’s 10th-anniversary edition launch later this year.

    On Tuessday the company said iPhone sales rose 1.6 per cent to 41.03 million in the third quarter ended July 1, above analysts’ average estimate of 40.7 million units, according to financial data and analytics firm FactSet Street Account. Apple sold 40.4 million iPhones a year earlier.

    Many customers wait for Apple to launch its new smartphones before deciding on upgrading or replacing their current devices, which usually results in iPhone demand tapering in the months before a release.

    The company forecast total revenue of between $US49 billion ($A61 billion) and $US52 billion for the current quarter, while analysts on average were expecting $US49.21 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

    Analysts on average expect the company to sell 45.55 million iPhones in the current quarter, according to FactSet. Apple sold 45.51 million iPhones in the year-ago quarter.

    Apple’s fourth quarter generally includes first-weekend sales of the company’s latest devices.

    The company’s net income rose to $US8.72 billion, or $US1.67 per share, in the three months ended July 1, from $US7.80 billion, or $US1.42 per share, a year earlier.

    Revenue rose to $US45.41 billion from $US42.36 billion in the quarter, typically the company’s weakest. Analysts on average had expected $US44.89 billion.

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