NEW YORK - Dell, the world's biggest computer maker, said its first-quarter profit grew 28 percent from a year ago, lifted by growing sales of mobile PCs, with international sales a major growth contributor.
The profit for the quarter ended April 29 was 934 million dollars, or 37 cents a share, compared with 731 million, or 28 cents a share, a year ago. The results were in line with Wall Street forecasts.
Revenue rose 16 percent to 13.4 billion dollars from 11.5 billion.
Dell said it sees continued growth in revenues in the current quarter despite pressure on pricing and tough competition.
In the first quarter, Dell said non-US sales were a major contributor.
"Sales outside the US increased 21 percent year over year and grew to 42 percent of the company's total revenue," the company said from its Round Rock, Texas headquarters.
Revenue in the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa division grew 20 percent and, in the Asia-Pacific and Japan division, 19 percent.
"Worldwide revenue from storage systems increased 49 percent and sales of mobility products grew 22 percent from a year ago."
"Our greatest strength in the quarter was precisely in the products, services and regions in which we're most focused on growing," said Kevin Rollins, Dell's chief executive officer. "Customers worldwide are increasingly relying on us for their diversified information-technology requirements."
Rollins said the company expects second-quarter revenue increases of 16 to 18 percent, to 13.6 billion to 13.8 billion dollars, and earnings per share of 37 to 39 cents per share.
Dell said its storage systems revenues increased more than 60 percent year over year.
Revenue from software and peripherals rose 37 percent, led by strong growth in its new line of printers.
Sales of "mobility" products increased 20 percent, as shipments of notebook computers rose 39 percent.
05/12/2005 20:55 GMT