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{{B}}Kodak Is Changing the Picture{{/B}} In September 2003, Mr Carp, CEO of Kodak, announced what he called the "biggest taming point" in Kodak's history. There would, he said, be no more big investments in traditional film. He also reduced the company's dividend by 72% to finance a $3 billion investment. By 2010, Mr Carp hopes for an income of $ 20 billion. In 2002, some 70% of the company's income came from its traditional film products, the remainder from digital. By 2006, the plan is for digital income to account for 60%. That will take some doing. In the nine months to September 30th, 2003, Kodak's net income rose by only 1.5% (to $9.5 billion), and despite the first profits from its digital cameras, net profits fell by 63% to $246 million. Over the next three years, Kodak expects film sales to fall by 10% or more every year in America and Europe, and by up to 20% a year in Japan. Companies that find their business model threatened by rapid technological change often fail to adapt successfully. Kodak is trying to take advantage of opportunities created by digital photography, such as designing easier-to-use equipment. |