Oracle quarterly profits see first slip in 3 years

SAN FRANCISCO — Oracle Corp.'s quarterly profit slipped for the first time in three years as a stronger dollar hobbled its international sales, but the business software maker reassured investors by predicting it will still thrive, despite the deepening recession.

Oracle's fiscal second-quarter results were distorted by wild currency fluctuations driven by the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression.

The Redwood Shores, Calif.-based company said it earned $1.3 billion, or 25 cents per share, in the three months ended in November. The net income dipped by $7 million from the same time last year, while the earnings per share remained the same.

Oracle has offices in Salt Lake City and Sandy that together employ 200 people. The company is building a data center in West Jordan that is slated to employ at least 100 people.