Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU) on Friday reported that its first-quarter net loss narrowed 10 million euros ($14.5 million) from a loss of €515 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted operating profit for the quarter was €13 million compared to a loss of €195 million in same quarter last year.Quarterly revenue climbed 15% to €3.74 billion against €3.23 billion. Analysts, on average, had expected an adjusted operating loss of €68 million on revenue of €3.8 billion.
"A favourable geographic and product mix impacted positively our gross margin while actions on fixed costs have been taken which will drive further efficiency gains during the course of the year. We improved our free cash flow by more than Euro 200 million compared to the year ago quarter.
Looking ahead, Alcatel-Lucent reaffirmed its outlook of achieving adjusted operating margin above 5 percent of its 2011 sales. The company also aims to grow faster than its addressable market.
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