Dell reports Q4 profits rise

Dell has reported a 32% rise in net profits for Q4.

Net profits were $603m as its showed a rise in overall revenue to $9.7bn, or 21% since the fourth quarter a year earlier.

The company said that unit shipments of PCs, computer servers, data storage systems had increased by 25% from the previous quarter, with sales in China, Japan, Germany and France showing particular strength.

For 2002 overall net earnings were 19% higher, and revenues at $35.4bn were up 14% on 2001.

Dell forecast that it did not see an improved economic environment in 2003 but it does expect unit shipments to continue to grow, saying the it expects first quarter shipments to increase by 25% from the first quarter last year.

On the announcement of the results Dell shares rose 31% to close at $23.25