As a result, the company said that merger dance will add up to five cents to its 2012 earnings per share and 15 cents in 2013, after previously forecasting EPS dilution of up to 22 cents.

FORBES: Johnson & Johnson's Synthes Deal Revives Foreign Tax Debate

As long as December quarters gross margin comes in at 38.5% or higher (2.5% above guidance of 36% and I am forecasting 38.8%) and March quarter guidance for revenue and margins are within what the Street is expecting EPS estimates could start to move higher.

FORBES: Apple's Stock Price and Earnings Estimates. What It Could Mean When It Reports.