Computing giant Hewlett Packard yesterday reported third-quarter earnings that were higher than most analysts' forecasts, and announced plans for a two-for-one stock split.
The company said it earned $1.03 billion, or 99 cents per diluted share, from continuing operations, compared with $696 million, or 66 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.
Most analysts had been forecasting earnings of 85 cents per share, according to First Call/Thompson Financial, which tracks forecasts.
Revenues totalled $10.73 billion, up from $9.53 billion last year.
In a statement issued after the numbers were reported, Hewlett Packard chief executive Ms Carly Fiorina said the strong growth validated the more aggressive and focused strategy of the past year. "HP's accelerating momentum is evident in our financial results, in our wins with customers, and in the energy and confidence of the HP team," Ms Fiorina said in a statement.
"Based on our confidence in this continued strong performance, we're splitting our shares," she added. Hewlett Packard employs more than 2,130 people in the Republic, at plants in Leixlip, Co Kildare, and Blackrock, Co Dublin.
