H-P profits plunge 13%
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hewlett-Packard Co.'s quarterly profit dropped 13 percent, and sales ticked up just one percent, as even the technology company's cash-cow printer ink business was hobbled by the recession.
The world's top seller of personal computers also cut its 2009 guidance, but it was still in line with Wall Street's expectations.
HP shares fell $1.08, or 3.2 percent, to $33 in extended trading, after closing down 26 cents during the regular trading session, before the Palo Alto, California-based company reported its earnings.
Crippled technology spending slammed all but one of HP's major business lines, including PCs and servers. Only HP's services division, which bulked up with its $13.9 billion acquisition of Electronic Data Systems, saw an increase.
Services also have been strong for rival IBM Corp., since corporations are trying to save money by outsourcing some of their technology chores.
