Dell posts record gain in profits

Dell Computers, which employs 4,500 people in manufacturing in Limerick, has reported record second quarter results

Dell Computers, which employs 4,500 people in manufacturing in Limerick, has reported record second quarter results. It said an enhanced mix of products, along with favourable industry pricing and component costs, helped gains in profits during its fiscal second quarter.

Dell's second-quarter net revenue totalled $7.7 billion for the period ended July 28th, 25 per cent higher than in the year-ago quarter, as net income rose to $603 million, a 19 per cent increase.

Operating income as a percentage of revenue was 9.6 per cent, 1 per cent higher than in the first quarter.

Net income was 7.9 per cent of sales, up sharply from the first quarter, and down slightly on a year-over-year basis. Dell's three Limerick plants supply the European, Middle East and African (EMEA) region with sales and support provided by 1,100 people in Bray, Co Wicklow.

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"We continue to redefine overall value around products and services that make up the base of our business, and those within the evolving Internet infrastructure," said Dell's chief executive Mr Michael Dell.

"Our direct model is the industry's most customer-focused way of doing business, and an exceptional generator of profits and cash flow."

He said that tremendous room for expansion exists in all product categories, customer groups and regional markets. Quarterly revenue from Europe, the Middle East and Africa increased 10 per cent year-over-year.