LONDON (AFX) - Here are the top stories on AFX News

Dell 4Q earnings and revenues drop

DALLAS (AP) - Dell Inc.’s fourth-quarter profits plunged 33 percent because of weak sales of laptops and notebooks, and the computer maker still faces an unresolved federal accounting probe, customer service complaints, several shareholder lawsuits and stiff competition from rivals.

But amid another disappointing quarter, analysts said Dell at least appears ready to do something about its many problems, even if it takes years to resolve.

Gallaher FY pretax pre-ex profit up 4.9 pct, says current trading in line

LONDON (AFX) - Gallaher Group PLC, Britain’s third-biggest tobacco group, posted a 4.9 pct rise in full-year pretax profit, beating market expectations, on the back of a strong performance from the CIS region.

Pretax profit before amortisation and exceptional charges rose to 597 mln stg from 570 mln stg a year ago. Analysts were expecting profit of some 580 mln stg.

Oracle to buy Hyperion for $3.3 billion

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Business software maker Oracle Corp. will buy Hyperion Solutions Corp. for $3.3 billion in cash, renewing a shopping spree aimed at toppling rival SAP AG.

The deal announced Thursday will give Oracle an arsenal of Hyperion products that are widely used by SAP’s customers. Hyperion’s tools, known as “business intelligence” software, help chief financial officers and other top corporate executives track their company’s performance.

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