Computer sales helps Dell reach forecast

DELL, the world’s largest personal computer maker, yesterday said that sales of personal computers in April overcame weakness earlier in the quarter to help it meet Wall Street’s tightly controlled expectations.

Net income rose to $934 million, or 37 cents a share, for the fiscal first quarter ended April 29, compared with $731 million, or 28 cents a share, a year earlier.

Shares of Dell (Research) rose 1.53% in after-hours trading.

The computer maker’s forecast for its second quarter earnings was in line with expectations on Wall Street.

Dell chief executive Kevin Rollins said the company’s first quarter had a strong finish in April.

Analysts believe a heavy promotional push by Dell aimed at consumers and small businesses helped offset weakness that Dell officials had cited in February and March.

Dell expects revenue for the fiscal second quarter ending in July to increase between 16% and 18%, to a range of $13.6 billion to $13.8 billion, with earnings per share of 37 cents to 39 cents, Mr Rollins said.