Dell Computer beat Wall St expectations to post profits after tax of $625 million (€693 million) in the first quarter of 2000, 21 per cent up on the same period in 1999.

Turnover grew 31 per cent to $7.28 billion (€8.1 billion) with earnings per share rising 19 per cent to 19 US cents (21.1 cents), compared to forecasts of 16 US cents.

In Europe, Dell, which employs 5,800 people in Limerick and Bray, Co Wicklow, saw growth of 17 per cent in revenue, less than half the rate in the US market.

The stock jumped almost $3 to $47.56 1/4 in after-hours trade.