Personal computer maker Dell Inc has reported a nearly three-fold jump in its net income to $927 million for the three-month period ended January 28, 2011, benefited from lower component cost and strong sales to corporate customers.In the year-ago period, the company had a net income of $334 million, Dell said in a statement.
The company's revenue rose to $15.69 billion in the fourth quarter of FY11 from $14.9 billion in the same quarter a year-ago, registering a gain of 5 per cent.
Dell's robust quarter numbers were lifted by strong sales to corporate customers, who have been replacing older PCs with new models running Microsoft Corp's Windows 7 software.
Besides, the company also gained from smart performance of emerging countries. It also got a boost from lower costs of components like memory chips and LCD screens.
"I'm very pleased with our fiscal year results and the strong performance we're seeing in our commercial businesses," said chairman and CEO Michael Dell.
He said: "We remain focused on developing and acquiring new technologies and capabilities, and our IT solutions portfolio has never been stronger. Customers are now seeing Dell in a fresh light, and we're heading into the new year with strength and optimism."
Revenues from large businesses stood at $4.6 billion, up 12 per cent a year ago. Revenues to small and medium businesses climbed 12 per cent to $3.7 billion. But revenue in Dell's consumer business declined 8 per cent to $3.3 billion.
In terms of geographical location, BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China - have emerged as best performers with revenues increasing by 21 per cent and even represent 13 per cent of the computer giant's total revenue.
Besides, Asia-Pacific and Japan revenue grew 17 per cent, Europe, the Middle East and Africa increased 3 per cent and the Americas were up 3 per cent.
For the full year, the company's revenue lifted to $61.49 billion from $52.90 billion in the corresponding period an year ago, implying a gain of $8.6 billion, largest single-year increase in the company's history.
Dell's net profit soared by 84 per cent from the corresponding period a year ago to $2.63 billion in FY11.
Looking ahead, Dell forecast a revenue growth of 5-9 per cent for its FY12 and expect that normal seasonal declines in its consumer and public businesses and, as such, a slight sequential decline in revenue.
