|
 |
| Carly Fiorina was one of America's most
successful businesswomen |
Hewlett-Packard has reported a slim rise in profits, after increased
sales across all of its businesses.
The firm, which last week parted with chief executive Carly Fiorina,
said net profits for the three months to 31 January were $943m (￡500m).
In line with market expectations, this compares to the $936m HP
achieved in the same period a year earlier.
Revenues rose to $21.5bn from $19.5bn a year earlier. Ms Fiorina left
after a dispute over HP's future strategy.
Speculation had also been high that Ms Fiorina's fellow board members
were still unhappy about her 2002 purchase of Compaq and HP's performance
ever since.
The company's shares rose 2.5% in after-hours trading in New York on
Wednesday.
It said it expects to see profits increase slightly in the current
second quarter.
"While we continue to make progress in growing our top line, there is
work to be done to improve our profitability," said HP chief financial
officer Robert Wayman.
"As the board conducts a chief executive search,
our management team is focused on driving improved execution to serve our
customers, strengthen our competitiveness and improve shareholder
value."
HP's computer division saw sales rise 11% during its first quarter,
while imaging and printing rose by 3% and technology solutions by 14%.
Computer sector analyst Mark Stahlman of Caris & Co said HP's
results were a "positive surprise".
(BBC) | 
Updated: 2005-02-17 11:09