Nvidia Clears Street's Very Low Bar

SAN FRANCISCO -- Nvidia's(NVDA Quote) profit plunged 73% in its fiscal fourth quarter, but the chipmaker managed to beat Wall Street's lackluster expectations.

The Santa Clara, Calif., graphics chipmaker posted net income of $61.7 million, or 11 cents a share, in the three months ended Oct. 26, vs. net income of $235.7 million, or 38 cents a share, at this time last year.

Excluding $8.3 million in restructuring charges, as well as $38 million in stock compensation expenses and a $4.5 million charge related to a royalty dispute, Nvidia said it earned 20 cents a share. ...