Compaq Computer Tuesday posted a large net loss in the fourth quarter after taking a hit on its technology investments and a drop in demand in the U.S. consumer market for personal computers. Excluding the charge, its fourth-quarter operating profit rose 55 percent, slightly more than Wall Street was expecting since the No. 1 personal computer maker issued a profit warning last month. The Houston, Texas-based company reported fourth-quarter operating income of $515 million, or 30 cents per share, compared with net income of $332 million, or 19 cents per share, a year earlier. Full story. --Reuters
