Dell shares slip despite profit rise

SHARES in computer maker Dell slipped by more than 5% in early trading yesterday even though it posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits.

The company, which employs 5,000 people in Ireland, said profits in the final three months of 2005 grew by 52%.

However, the shares were down on comments by the company that revenue was not growing as fast as expected. A number of analysts cut their earnings forecast for the company.