Apple Earnings Preview

Apple (AAPL) is slated to report earnings Monday after the closing bell. One of, if not the most, watched company in the market is expected to report a net income of $14.09 per share on revenue of $57.5 billion.

The earnings report and subsequent conference call will be scrutinized on several fronts. On one hand, investors want to know how certain fronts of Apple's overall strategy are developing. Sales of the cheaper iPhone 5c line may be indicative of whether Apple can attract higher volume, lower margin customers with a more affordable option. Though whether the company wants to dilute its brand to do so is a point of debate.

Another area, though early, is how Apple's deal with the China Mobile is materializing. A major catalyst for Apple bulls has been the company's ability to tap into the largest population in the world. Now that it's done so, analyst and investors will want to see whether the company can build traction there.

On a more long-term basis, the dark cloud looming over Apple has been–and may always be–its ability to introduce innovative products to maintain its position as an industry leader among its competitors and to consumers.