HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2006, with net revenue of $21.9 billion, representing growth of 5% year-over-year, or 6% when adjusted for the effects of currency. GAAP operating profit was $1.5 billion and GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.48 per share, up from $0.03 in the prior year period. GAAP financial information for the third quarter 2005 reflects a tax adjustment resulting from HP's decision to repatriate $14.5 billion in cash from foreign earnings.
In the second quarter of 2006 T-Mobile USA added 613,000 net new customers, down from 972,000 in the second quarter of 2005, and the 1.04 million net customers added in the first quarter of 2006. Postpay customers made up 83% of the second quarter customer growth, up from 70% in the first quarter of 2006, and comprised 84% of T-Mobile USA's total customer base at June 30, 2006.
Bank of America Corporation has entered into definitive agreements to exchange its BankBoston operations in Chile and Uruguay for stock in Banco Itau Holding Financeira S.A. (Itau). These agreements follow a similar transaction for the operations of BankBoston in Brazil that was announced on May 2. At that time, it was also announced that the two companies would negotiate exclusively with respect to the Chile and Uruguay businesses.
Consumers overwhelmingly want smart, live and responsive customer service, preferably over the phone rather than by e-mail. Highest expectations found among women, 18-34 year olds and residents in the Southwest and Midwest
Sole proprietors, who make up three-fourths of all small businesses, lack the time and resources to focus on generating new business, according to a new survey from Visa USA and SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. At the same time, the vast majority say they are happier now than they were at their previous employer, despite working as hard or harder.
Life insurance and annuity consumers are far more likely to be treated better and be more satisfied when dealing with companies that demonstrate a real, ongoing commitment to ethical business practices. The same companies show better financial performance including a higher return on equity and more efficient use of capital, concludes a study just released by Georgia State University's Center for Risk Management and Insurance Research at the American Risk and Insurance Association meeting here today.
