US computer maker Dell last night said its profit nearly tripled in the recently-ended quarter on strong sales to businesses.
Revenue inched up 1% to $15 billion while net income leapt to $945m from $341m in the same three months a year earlier, according to the Texas-based company.
'We're off to a solid start in our fiscal year 2012,' said Dell chief executive Michael Dell. 'Our substantial profit increase demonstrates that our strategy is working and our execution is improving,' he added.
Dell predicted revenue growth in the current quarter would be slightly better than usual, with improved sales to governments, schools, and small businesses.
Boosts in sales to businesses and public institutions more than offset a 7% slide on the consumer side, which was softer than expected, according to Dell.
Dell earning news came hours after rival Hewlett Packard reported strong profits in the recent fiscal quarter but saw its stock sink with word that the US computer colossus was bracing for tough times later in the year.
HP said it made $2.3 billion in profit on $31.6 billion in revenue during the fiscal quarter that ended April 30 in a showing that improved the same period a year earlier by 5% and 3% respectively.
