Apple announced earnings yesterday after-hours and blows past estimates. Apple sold 7.4 million iPhones in the quarter ended Sept. 26, up 7% from a year ago and 41% more than the previous quarter. Apple also sold 3.1 million Macintosh computers in the quarter, up 17% from a year earlier, as it continued to gain ground on Windows-based machines. Wall Street Journal reports that Apple’s earnings results exceeded even the most optimistic expectations.

Apple reported a fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $1.67 billion, or $1.82 a share, compared with $1.14 billion, or $1.26 a share, a year earlier. Its gross profit margin rose to 36.6% from 34.7% a year ago. Revenue increased 24% to $9.87 billion from $7.9 billion a year earlier.

When I wrote about Apple on September 16th, the stock was at $182. Now, it rammed thru $200 level. I believe that Apple will gain even more in the coming holiday season. Tim Cook, COO of Apple, did a fantastic job even when Apple’s iconic CEO Steve Jobs was out ill. There were doubts of Apple’s survival without Steve Jobs. Tim Cook proved that Apple can not only survive but also kill the competition with or without Steve Jobs. Thank you Tim!

Related Link: Sweet Apple | Apple’s Insanely Great Quarter

Disclaimer: I own Apple shares, options, iPhone, iPod Touch and anything that has the name “Apple” on it.