US computer maker Dell last night reported earnings per share of 17 cents for its first quarter, a penny more than analyst expectations.
The company said it had $8.7 billion in revenues, beating expectations of $7.82 billion. But the company said it saw net income drop to $457 million, compared to $462 million from the same quarter last year, as unit prices for consumer computers continue to lower.
The results underscored analysts contention that the company continues to be a relative performer in a sluggish computer manufacturing sector.
'Our objectives are simple and unchanged: to further reduce costs, to deliver great value to customers, particularly enterprise customers and to profitably gain market share,' said Dell president Kevin Rollins.
The company predicted continued growth for the coming second quarter. Dell is now the number two computer maker, falling behind the combined clout of HP and Compaq.
