First quarter group revenues for the period to 31 January 2004 were 10.4bn ($19.5bn) up 9% year-on-year. Operating profit jumped 23% to 750m.

In imaging and printing, revenues of 3.1bn were posted an increase of 6% on the same period last year. Operating profit for the three-month period hit a record level of 519.3m, up 6% on the previous year.

During the quarter the imaging and printing division shipped some 14.4m hardware units, an increase of 12% on the previous year.

Chairman and chief executive Carly Fiorina said the group continued to outpace the market and gain share in key categories, with particular strength in higher value categories.