Nevertheless, Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer told investors to expect earnings to come in at only 65 cents a share for its current quarter, well below expectations of 82 cents a share.

FORBES: Apple Tips Its Hand

In earnings news, GNC Holdings (GNC) said that it now expects first-quarter earnings to come in above prior guidance for a profit of 49 cents per share.

FORBES: Futures Rally Behind February Retail Sales; Dell, GNC Holdings, and Urban Outfitters In Focus